blue blood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "blue blood" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to someone of noble or aristocratic descent. Example: "She comes from a long line of blue bloods, with her family having held titles for generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"She was a blue blood.

The New Yorker

BLUE BLOOD, by Edward Conlon.

The New York Times - Books

15 1 BLUE BLOOD, by Edward Conlon.

The New York Times

We represent Chelsea and have blue blood.

The Guardian - Sport

I have in my veins the English blue blood.

The Guardian - Sport

Vanderbilt, an all-American blue blood, risked a final question.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Another of the blue blood-carrying classics is a Rolls-Royce Phantom I Piccadilly Roadster.

The New York Times

The sport of blue bloods.

The New York Times

Blue Bloods Et Tu, Brooklyn?

The New Yorker

We're in the world of blue bloods here.

The Guardian - Opinion

Blue bloods like Arizona, Louisville and Kentucky figure to lean on prominent transfers.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "blue blood" when you want to subtly imply inherited privilege and social status. It adds a layer of historical context and can be more evocative than simply stating someone is "rich" or "upper class".

Common error

Don't use "blue blood" to describe a physical characteristic or condition. It exclusively refers to social class and ancestry, not someone's actual blood color or health status.

Linguistic Context

"Blue blood" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies individuals belonging to the aristocracy or nobility, highlighting their privileged social status derived from ancestry. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct and readily found in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "blue blood" correctly refers to individuals of noble or aristocratic descent, functioning as a noun phrase to signify social standing and heritage. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically sound and prevalent across various contexts, especially in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, its formality can shift depending on the source, appearing more formal in academic or historical analyses and neutral in the news, less common in informal scenarios. When using the phrase, it’s important to imply inherited privilege and social status but to avoid literal interpretations related to physical characteristics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aristocratic lineage

Focuses on the lineage aspect, highlighting the ancestry's aristocratic nature.

noble ancestry

Emphasizes the nobility of the person's ancestors.

highborn

A single-word adjective indicating noble birth.

of noble birth

A more descriptive phrase emphasizing the circumstances of birth.

upper class

General term for the highest social class, not necessarily aristocratic.

elite social standing

Highlights the elevated social position.

member of the aristocracy

Focuses on membership within the aristocratic class.

patrician class

Refers to a group of ruling class families.

establishment figure

Signifies someone who is a part of the ruling or dominant group.

society elite

Emphasizes the person's prominence within high society.

FAQs

What does the phrase "blue blood" mean?

The phrase "blue blood" refers to someone of noble or aristocratic descent. It implies that a person comes from a long line of wealthy and influential ancestors.

Is it appropriate to use "blue blood" in formal writing?

Yes, it can be appropriate, but consider your audience and the context. While generally understood, it can sometimes be perceived as old-fashioned or elitist. Alternatives like "aristocratic lineage" or "noble ancestry" may be more neutral.

How can I use "blue blood" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone's background, for example: "She comes from a family of "blue bloods", with generations of wealth and influence". Or: "Despite his "blue blood", he chose to dedicate his life to public service".

What's the difference between "blue blood" and "upper class"?

"Upper class" is a broad term for the wealthiest segment of society, while "blue blood" specifically implies noble or aristocratic heritage. Someone can be upper class without being a "blue blood", and vice versa, though they often overlap.