Bristol

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A city in southwest England known for its maritime history, culture, and aerospace industry; a type of high-quality paper often used for drawing and printing; a term used in automotive and engineering contexts referring to a specific brand or model
2. A port city famous for its historical docks and vibrant arts scene in the UK; a smooth, durable paper favored by artists and designers; a designation associated with certain vehicles or machinery from a particular manufacturer
3. An urban area in England recognized for shipbuilding and innovation in aviation; a heavyweight paper stock utilized in craft and graphic work; a name linked to a British motorcar company producing luxury automobiles

Etymology: A football club, not the port city, is behind the slang sense. Rhyming slang turned "Bristol City," the name of an English football team, into a substitute for "titty," since the two rhyme on their final syllables. Speakers then dropped "City," leaving the single word "bristol" to carry the same meaning. The shortening is what makes the slang sense distinct from the city, the paper, and the vehicle designation, which share the spelling but have their own histories. Anyone meeting the word in casual or informal speech should read it in the slang sense, not as a place name.

Synonyms: bristol board, cardboard, paperboard