The term blue blood refers to someone of aristocratic or noble birth. Generally used to mean someone who is a member of “high society.”
Also used: Blue Blooded
Origin of ‘Blue Blood’
Blue blood is an English translation of the Spanish sangre azul. This term was used in Spain to refer to aristocrats who were considered pure-blooded, or in other words, of unmixed Germanic ancestry who had not intermarried with invaders such as Moors. Compared to the Moors, who were dark-skinned, such people had skin fair enough that the blue of their veins showed readily through their skin. In those days, they probably did believe that their blood was “bluer” than other people and that this gave them distinction. In reality, of course, their veins only appeared bluer due to the lightness of their skin. The expression entered English during the early 1800s.
Common Misconceptions: Biology and Sports
Despite popular myths, human blood is never blue. Deoxygenated blood is simply a darker red, but appears bluish through the skin due to how light wavelengths penetrate tissue. Additionally, in modern American sports usage (especially college basketball), “blue bloods” refers to elite, historically dominant athletic programs with long-standing traditions of success.
Movie Citations
In film and television, screenwriters frequently use “blue blood” to contrast inherited aristocratic privilege with self-made hustle, or to highlight tension between elite social classes:
- Batman Returns (1992): The Penguin dismisses Gotham’s political elite, noting how easily the privileged class gives up when challenged: “Mayors come and go. Blue bloods tire easily.”
- The Legend of Tarzan (2016): Highlighting the difference between nobility and populism, a character contrasts inherited rank with a self-made hero: “Yeah, a few are born blue bloods, like your husband. But everyone can relate to a low-born scrapper who rescued his king.”
- Working Girl (1988): In a comedy driven by workplace class divides, a character notes the irony of a trashy media figure hosting a high-society event: “He’s hosting this charity auction—real blue bloods, and won’t that be funny?”
- Lolita (1962): Capturing social snobbery and high-society dating, a character reminisces about an upper-class suitor: “I went dancing with him, a young blue-blooded Bostonian.”
Video Presentation
Sentence Examples
“Most American politicians are typical blue bloods, even the ones who claim humble origins.”
“Don’t let my poor clothes fool you,” said the old man. “I’m as blue-blooded as you are.”
Similar and Related Idioms
- Upper Crust: The highest, wealthiest, or most socially distinguished class of society.
- Born with a Silver Spoon in One’s Mouth: Born into immense wealth, privilege, and social advantage without having to work for it.
- Highborn: Of noble, aristocratic, or royal lineage.
- To the Manor Born: Naturally accustomed from birth to a life of luxury, high social standing, or refined manners.
Idioms About Social Hierarchy and Knowing One’s Place
While the expressions above describe high social rank itself, these related idioms refer to the expected behavior, self-preservation, and deference often required when navigating social hierarchies or dealing with powerful superiors:
- Know Which Side Your Bread is Buttered On: To understand where one’s financial support or personal advantage comes from and act agreeable toward those in power to protect it.
- Don’t Bite the Hand that Feeds You: A warning against mistreating, criticizing, or turning against the person or organization that provides your income or support.
(Don’t) Burn Your Bridges: To intentionally or carelessly sever relationships or exit a situation in a way that permanently prevents you from returning or seeking help in the future. - Know Your Place: To accept one’s subordinate social position or lower rank and behave with appropriate deference toward those of higher authority or status.
- Stay in One’s Lane: To restrict oneself to one’s own area of expertise, authority, or assigned role rather than meddling in matters meant for others.