Bimbo: meaning, definitions and examples

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bimbo

 

[ ˈbɪm.boʊ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

derogatory term

The term 'bimbo' is often used to describe a young woman who is perceived as attractive but unintelligent or superficial. It is a derogatory term that implies that the individual's beauty is prioritized over their intellect or capabilities. The usage of 'bimbo' can be seen as sexist, reinforcing stereotypes about women and undermining their value based on looks alone. In contemporary culture, the word is sometimes reclaimed or used ironically, but its original connotation remains largely negative.

Synonyms

airhead, babe, dumb blonde, fluff, pretty face

Examples of usage

  • She was called a bimbo because of her looks.
  • The media often portrays bimbos in a negative light.
  • He joked about her being a bimbo after seeing her latest photos.
  • In the movie, the bimbo character confounds expectations.
  • Critics argue the bimbo stereotype is harmful.

Translations

Translations of the word "bimbo" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bimbo

🇮🇳 बिम्बो

🇩🇪 Bimbo

🇮🇩 bimbo

🇺🇦 бімбо

🇵🇱 bimbo

🇯🇵 ビンボ

🇫🇷 bimbo

🇪🇸 bimbo

🇹🇷 bimbo

🇰🇷 빔보

🇸🇦 بيمبو

🇨🇿 bimbo

🇸🇰 bimbo

🇨🇳 比姆博

🇸🇮 bimbo

🇮🇸 bimbo

🇰🇿 бимбо

🇬🇪 ბიმბო

🇦🇿 bimbo

🇲🇽 bimbo

Etymology

The term 'bimbo' originated in the early 20th century. Its initial usage referred to a male, likely derived from the Italian word 'bambino,' meaning 'child' or 'baby.' However, by the 1920s, the meaning shifted, and it began to be applied to women in the context of beauty and perceived lack of intelligence. The first recorded use of 'bimbo' to describe a woman in a derogatory sense appears in the 1920s. Over time, the word has evolved and has been used variably in popular culture, with portrayals often emphasizing the dual aspects of attractiveness and perceived vapidity. In feminist discourse, 'bimbo' has also been critiqued for its role in perpetuating gender stereotypes and for reducing women to mere aesthetic qualities. The term continues to evoke strong reactions and discussions about gender, power, and the representation of women in society.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,113, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.