# bloke

/ˈbɫoʊk/ (US) · /blˈəʊk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bloke
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a man

noun · CEFR B1 · British English · Informal

an informal word for a man.

For teachers: an informal term for a man, often implying he is an ordinary person or a 'regular guy'.

- He seems like a nice bloke once you get to know him.
- I was just chatting to some bloke at the bus stop who told me the trains were cancelled for the rest of the afternoon.

Usage: Commonly used in British and Australian English; less common in American English where 'guy' is preferred.

Teaching tip: While generally friendly, it is strictly informal; students should avoid using it in professional emails or academic writing.

### 2. masculine archetype

noun · CEFR B2 · British English · Informal

a man who acts in a very traditional or 'manly' way.

For teachers: a man who embodies traditional masculine traits, often associated with being down-to-earth, independent, or interested in stereotypically male hobbies.

- He's a real bloke's bloke who loves football and fixing cars.
- The marketing campaign was clearly designed to appeal to the 'average bloke' who values practical results over aesthetic flourishes.

### 3. naval officer

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Slang · Technical

a nickname used by sailors for the captain or a high-ranking officer on a ship.

For teachers: a traditional lower-deck slang term for the commanding officer or executive officer of a naval vessel.

- The sailors were nervous because the bloke was known for being very strict.
- In the closed world of the destroyer, the 'Bloke' was a figure of both immense authority and constant scrutiny by the crew.

Usage: Usually used with the definite article 'the'.

## Examples

- He is a nice bloke.
- My brother is a reliable bloke who always helps with moving furniture.
- The local pub served as a gathering place for the neighbourhood blokes, where they discussed politics and football over pints of ale.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.