blue blood

The term "blue blood" originates from the Spanish phrase "sangre azul," historically used to describe noble families whose veins appeared bluer due to their fair skin.

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Definition

C1Sociology

(formal, historical)A person of noble or aristocratic descent.

Example

  • He claims to be a blue blood, tracing his lineage back to medieval royalty.

C1Sociology

(formal, historical)A member of a socially prominent or wealthy family.

Example

  • The gala was attended by many blue bloods, including several members of old-money families.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "blue blood":

blood royalhigh bloodyoung bloodlet bloodin bloodblood redwhite bloodbad bloodfirst bloodhalf bloodred waterblood lilybleed white