Definition

Noun: A bloater is a large, fatty herring that has been lightly salted and briefly smoked as a method of preservation and flavoring. The process causes the fish to swell slightly, which is referenced in the name.

Usage

The word "bloater" is used specifically to refer to this type of prepared herring. It is a countable noun. * He bought two bloaters from the fishmonger for his breakfast. * Bloaters were a common food in Victorian England. * The traditional breakfast included kippers and bloaters.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used figuratively to describe a person or thing that is swollen or puffed up, though this is less common and often humorous.
  • After the bee sting, his cheek looked like a bloater.

Variants and Related Words

• Bloster (noun): A regional variant spelling, particularly found in Scotland and Northern England, referring to the same type of fish.
• Kipper (noun): A related product where a herring is split, salted, and smoked. Kippers are typically split open, while bloaters are cured whole.

Synonyms

• Smoked herring
• Cured herring

Related Phrases & Idioms

• Full as a bloater (idiom, informal): An expression meaning completely full, often after eating a large meal.
  • I can't eat another bite; I'm as full as a bloater.

Noun

1. large fatty herring lightly salted and briefly smoked