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British English 1 min read Published January 2025 10 learners asked about this

What does "bloke" mean?

What it means: A man - but not just any man. "Bloke" often implies an ordinary, everyday man, sometimes with working-class or unpretentious connotations."There was a bloke at the bar who said...""He's a good bloke." (He's a decent, reliable man)"Some bloke rang the office for you."What it implies...

What it means

A man - but not just any man. "Bloke" often implies an ordinary, everyday man, sometimes with working-class or unpretentious connotations.

"There was a bloke at the bar who said..."
"He's a good bloke." (He's a decent, reliable man)
"Some bloke rang the office for you."

What it implies

"A bloke" is often a specific person being referenced, sometimes unknown or unnamed. It has an earthy quality - blokes aren't particularly refined, but they're solid and genuine. "A good bloke" is genuinely complimentary.

Gender

Specifically male. Unlike "person" or "someone", "bloke" always refers to a man.

Equivalents

  • "Fella" - informal British/Irish, similar
  • "Guy" - American English equivalent
  • "Chap" - more posh, less common today

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Informal British English. Not used in formal writing.

Frequently asked

What does "bloke" mean?

A man - but not just any man. "Bloke" often implies an ordinary, everyday man, sometimes with working-class or unpretentious connotations.

"There was a bloke at the bar who said..."
"He's a good bloke." (He's a decent, reliable man)
"Some bloke rang the office for you."

Is "bloke" formal or informal?

Informal British English. Not used in formal writing.

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