English Reference

Word

blowjob

/ˈbɫoʊˌdʒɑb/

Definitions

01sexual act

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Slang · Vulgar

n. a sexual act where someone uses their mouth on a partner's penis.

n. an act of fellatio. The term is highly informal and considered vulgar in most social or professional settings.

“He mentioned that he had received a blowjob from his partner last night.”

“The script was edited to remove explicit references to blowjobs to ensure the film could maintain a lower age rating for television broadcast.”

Usage

Countable noun; often used with the verbs 'give' or 'get'.

Teaching tip

This is a very common but vulgar term. Students should be aware of its meaning to understand informal media or conversations, but should avoid using it in polite or formal company.

Synonyms

fellatiooral sex

02excessive praise

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Slang · Vulgar · Humorous

n. a very informal way to describe someone giving too much fake praise to another person.

n. a figurative and derogatory term for excessive, insincere, or sycophantic praise. Used to imply that the praise is a form of metaphorical sexual service to a superior.

“The whole meeting was just a giant blowjob for the new CEO.”

“Critics dismissed the biography as a literary blowjob, claiming it ignored the politician's numerous scandals in favor of unearned adulation.”

Teaching tip

This figurative sense is extremely cynical and aggressive. It is used to insult both the person giving the praise and the person receiving it.

Synonyms

flatterysycophancy

Antonyms

criticism

Etymology

First used in the USA. From blow off (“to fellate”, originating among prostitutes from 1933) + job.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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