bloody
UK: /ˈblʌdi/ | US: /ˈblʌdi/
adj. 1. Covered or stained with blood.
adj. 2. (BrE, informal) Used as an intensifier, often to express anger or emphasis.
adj. 3. Involving or characterized by bloodshed; violent.
The word "bloody" originates from Old English "blōdig," derived from "blōd" (blood) + the suffix "-ig" (modern "-y"), meaning "pertaining to blood." Over time, its usage expanded metaphorically, particularly in British English, where it became a mild intensifier or expletive by the 18th century. The taboo connotation likely arose from associations with violence or religious oaths (e.g., "By God’s blood").
The surgeon’s gloves were bloody after the operation.
(BrE) That bloody train is late again!
The battle was one of the bloodiest in history.
She gave him a bloody nose during the fight.
(BrE) It’s a bloody shame they canceled the concert.