Definition

1. Verb:
   • To edit, censor, or cut (written material): The primary meaning of "blue-pencil" is to make corrections, deletions, or alterations to a text, often with the authority to remove or suppress content. It implies the use of an editor's or censor's pencil, traditionally imagined as blue, to mark changes.

Usage

• The verb "blue-pencil" is transitive and is used with a direct object (the thing being edited).
• It often carries a connotation of censorship, cutting content for reasons of length, propriety, or policy, rather than just stylistic improvement.
• It is used in both professional editing and general contexts where content is being removed.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The magazine editor had to blue-pencil several paragraphs from the controversial article.
  • The film's script was heavily blue-penciled by the studio to avoid an adult rating.
  • Before publication, all employee reports are blue-penciled by the communications department.

Advanced Usage

• The blue-pencil test: A legal doctrine in contract law where a court can remove ("blue-pencil") an unenforceable clause (like an overly broad non-compete agreement) while leaving the rest of the contract intact, provided the remaining terms are clear and enforceable.

Variants and Related Words

• Blue-penciler (noun): A person who edits or censors text.
  • He worked as a blue-penciler for a major newspaper.

Synonyms

• Edit: To prepare for publication by correcting, condensing, or modifying.
• Censor: To examine and suppress unacceptable parts of (a book, film, etc.).
• Cut: To remove a section from a text or film.
• Delete: To remove or erase (written text).
• Expurgate: To remove matter thought to be objectionable or unsuitable from a text.

Related Phrases

• To wield the blue pencil: To act in the capacity of an editor or censor.
  • As the new head of content, she now wields the blue pencil over all blog posts.

Verb

1. cut or eliminate
   • she edited the juiciest scenes