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Black and Blue Meaning
Definition: Bruised, beaten up.
The term black and blue refers to the colors of a bruise. Something that is black and blue has been hurt either physically or emotionally.
When used literally, the phrase describes a physical injury. When used figuratively, as in the phrase, “I was left black and blue after my girlfriend left me,” it means someone is in so much emotional pain that he feels as if he has been bruised by his emotional suffering.
If the phrase is used in front of a noun, it should be hyphenated like this: black-and-blue bruises. If used after, it should not be hyphenated, as in this sentence: “my bruises were black and blue.”
Origin of Black and Blue
This phrase has been traced back to around the 1300s. It directly references the appearance of an agonizing, multicolored bruise. Although bruises do not usually turn totally black or blue, this phrase indicates feeling extreme pain.
Examples from writing throughout history include the following,
- Thesewouldexplode,andIwastwicehitbythebullets,whichleftablack-and-blue mark. –Edison, His Life and Inventions.
- Isupposeifthetruthwasknown,Jamiebeatsyirmaeverynightofherlifetoablack-and-bluejelly! –The Rosie World.
Examples of Black and Blue
Anything bruised is black and blue. For example, a gymnast who fell down during a routine may have a black-and-blue leg.
The phrase can also end with the words “all over” to describe somebody who is extremely hurt. A biker who was just in a crash and has sustained broken bones would be black and blue all over.
Black and blue can also describe emotional pain. Someone may say, “I was black and blue after being laid off from my job. I was hopeless.” In this way, the phrase describes hurting on the inside.
More Examples
- “I think he threw 80 miles an hour. I was the catcher. He made my hand black and blue.” – Orlando Sentinel
- Then let the large fellows on the other side of the ball start hitting people, start turning them black and blue, send them limping and gimping around the field. – New York Post
Summary
Black-and-blue things are bruised and hurting.
Contents
As an enthusiast with demonstrable expertise in linguistics and phrase origins, I delve into the fascinating world of idioms and expressions to provide a comprehensive understanding of their meanings and historical roots. My passion for etymology and language evolution has led me to explore the intricacies of various phrases, enriching my knowledge through extensive research and analysis.
Now, let's unravel the layers of meaning behind the phrase "black and blue." The term, in its literal sense, refers to the colors of a bruise, indicating physical harm or injury. When used figuratively, it extends to emotional pain, symbolizing the deep emotional wounds one might experience.
The phrase dates back to the 1300s, highlighting its longstanding presence in the English language. Its origin is rooted in the visual aspect of bruises, even though bruises typically don't turn entirely black or blue. The choice of colors in the expression accentuates the intensity of the pain being conveyed.
Usage of the phrase varies depending on its placement in a sentence. When used in front of a noun, it should be hyphenated, such as "black-and-blue bruises." Conversely, when used after a noun, no hyphenation is required, as in the sentence "my bruises were black and blue."
Examples from historical writings illustrate the enduring nature of the phrase. For instance, Edison, in "His Life and Inventions," uses the term in describing the appearance of a mark caused by bullets. Another example from "The Rosie World" depicts the phrase in a figurative context, emphasizing emotional distress.
Moving on to practical examples, anything bruised is considered black and blue. For instance, a gymnast with a bruised leg might be described as having a black-and-blue leg. The phrase can also be extended to describe someone who is extensively hurt, such as a biker involved in a crash with broken bones, being black and blue all over.
Moreover, "black and blue" transcends physical injuries and encompasses emotional pain. An individual who experienced the agony of being laid off might express feeling black and blue on the inside, conveying a sense of hopelessness.
Incorporating real-life quotes adds authenticity to the understanding of the phrase. For instance, someone recounting a sports experience mentions, "I think he threw 80 miles an hour. I was the catcher. He made my hand black and blue." This quote vividly captures the physical impact associated with the phrase.
In a broader sense, the summary encapsulates the essence of "black and blue" — it signifies things that are bruised and hurting, whether physically or emotionally. This exploration enhances our appreciation for the richness and depth embedded in everyday expressions, revealing how language evolves to encapsulate the complexities of human experience.
