Word
blinking
Phoneticsblink·ing
US/ˈbɫɪŋkɪŋ/
UK/blˈɪŋkɪŋ/
Definition
adj. a mild way to show you are annoyed or surprised. It is a polite alternative to using a swear word.
adj. used to express mild annoyance, frustration, or emphasis. Often functions as a euphemism for more offensive expletives and is typically used attributively.
Examples
“I can't get this blinking computer to start.”
“The neighbor's blinking dog has been barking at the fence for three hours straight.”
“He spent the entire afternoon trying to fix that blinking leak in the kitchen, only to realize he didn't have the right size of wrench.”
Examples
simple
“I can't get this blinking computer to start.”
contextual
“The neighbor's blinking dog has been barking at the fence for three hours straight.”
complex
“He spent the entire afternoon trying to fix that blinking leak in the kitchen, only to realize he didn't have the right size of wrench.”
Usage
Used as an intensifier before a noun or another adjective; informal and British in flavor.
Real-World Examples
“In one video, the humans each blinked once every three seconds, and in the other video they looked straight ahead without blinking.” “Among people I spoke to in Southampton, the same concerns came up time and time again: "They're a blinking nuisance," says elderly pedestrian Fred.” Word family
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/blinking