blue-blood

A blue-blood enjoys a quiet afternoon in the family library.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Aristocratic lineage: "blue-blood" refers to a person of noble birth or high social standing, especially from a hereditary aristocracy. The term originates from the idea that the blood of Spanish royalty was literally "blue" due to their pale skin showing veins.

Usage Examples

• (A person of noble birth.)
• (Aristocrats with distinguished ancestry.)

Advanced Usage

• "blue-blooded" (adj): belonging to or characteristic of the aristocracy.

  • The blue-blooded family owned vast estates and held titles for centuries. (The aristocratic family had many lands and honors.)

• "blue blood" (as a concept): the quality or status of being born into an aristocratic family.

  • His blue blood was evident in his refined manners and connections. (His noble lineage was obvious.)

Variants and Related Words

• Blue-blooded (adj): having aristocratic ancestry.

  • The blue-blooded heiress married a commoner, shocking society. (The noble heiress married a non-aristocrat.)

• Blue blood (n phrase): the condition or status of being a blue-blood.

  • Blue blood does not guarantee intelligence, but it does open doors. (Aristocratic status provides advantages.)

Synonyms

• Aristocrat: a person of noble birth.
• Patrician: a member of the ancient Roman nobility; now used for a high-born person.
• Noble: a person of high social rank, especially by birth.

Related Idioms

• "Born with a silver spoon in one's mouth": born into a wealthy, privileged family.

  • He never had to work hard because he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. (He inherited wealth and status.)

• "Old money": wealth inherited from previous generations, often associated with aristocracy.

  • They are old money, not new rich, so they have a blue-blooded pedigree. (They have inherited aristocratic wealth.)