Definition

1. Noun:
   • A pompous reactionary cartoon character created by Sir David Low: "Colonel Blimp" refers specifically to a satirical cartoon figure, an elderly, jingoistic, and stubbornly conservative British military officer.
   • Any elderly pompous reactionary ultranationalistic person: By extension, the term is used to describe a person, typically older, who exhibits the same characteristics as the cartoon character—being pompous, extremely conservative, and blindly nationalistic.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The cartoonist David Low created Colonel Blimp to satirize the outdated views of the British establishment.
  • He's such a Colonel Blimp, always ranting about how things were better in the old days and opposing any social change.

Advanced Usage

• Used as a type or archetype: The term is often used to categorize a person based on their attitudes, not just as a direct nickname.
  • The committee was dominated by Colonel Blimp types who resisted the modernization plan.

Variants and Related Words

• Blimpish (adj): Having the qualities of Colonel Blimp; being pompously reactionary and ultraconservative.
  • His blimpish attitudes made him unpopular with the younger staff.

Synonyms

• Reactionary: A person who opposes political or social progress or reform.
• Jingoist: An extreme patriot, especially one who advocates for an aggressive, warlike foreign policy.
• Diehard: A person who stubbornly resists change or holds onto outdated principles.

Related Idioms

• To be a (regular) Colonel Blimp: This phrase is used to label someone whose behavior matches the archetype.
  • Whenever the topic of immigration comes up, Uncle John turns into a regular Colonel Blimp.

Noun

1. a pompous reactionary cartoon character created by Sir David Low
2. any elderly pompous reactionary ultranationalistic person (after the cartoon character created by Sir David Low)