blue
/bluː/
As a color, it evokes openness, stability, and coolness. It is the primary association for nature's vastness (the sky and sea), often carrying connotations of serenity or coldness depending on the shade. When describing an emotional state, it denotes a melancholic, low-energy sadness rather than acute grief or anger. It suggests a lingering mood of disappointment or longing, often used in more casual or poetic contexts than 'depressed'. In technical or artisanal contexts, as a verb, it refers to a deliberate chemical or thermal process to achieve a specific hue, moving from a state of neutrality to a defined color.
💬Casual Conversation
Yo, did you finally cop that blue legendary drop?
Nah. Still grinding for it. RNG is trash.
Meanings
Of a color intermediate between green and violet, as of a clear sky or deep ocean.
"The bright blue eyes of the child sparkled in the sunlight."
Feeling sad, depressed, or low in spirits.
"He has been feeling a bit blue since his best friend moved away."
To make something blue in color.
"The artisan used a cobalt glaze to blue the ceramic tiles."
Collocations & Compounds
blue cheese
A type of cheese with blue veins running through it.
I love the sharp taste of blue cheese on my salad.
blue whale
The largest animal on Earth, a marine mammal known for its blue-grey color.
The majestic blue whale is a truly awe-inspiring creature.
blue jay
A North American bird with bright blue, black, and white plumage.
We heard the distinctive call of a blue jay in the garden.
blue collar
Relating to manual labor, especially in industry.
He came from a blue collar background and worked his way up.
blue ribbon
Awarded to the winner or best performer in a competition.
Her pie won the blue ribbon at the county fair.
Idioms & Sayings
out of the blue
Suddenly and unexpectedly.
The job offer came completely out of the blue.
once in a blue moon
Very rarely.
We only go out for a fancy dinner once in a blue moon.
blue in the face
For a long time, or with great effort, without achieving the desired result.
You can argue until you're blue in the face, but I won't change my mind.
true blue
Loyal and steadfast.
He's a true blue friend who will always be there for you.
blue-blooded
Of noble or aristocratic birth.
She comes from a blue-blooded family with a long history.
Etymology
The word 'blue' comes from the Old French 'bleu', which likely originated from a Germanic source. It entered English around the 13th century. Initially, it referred to a pale or grayish color, but its meaning evolved to encompass the vibrant hue we associate with the sky and sea. Historically, blue pigments were rare and expensive, making the color associated with royalty and divinity.