What does blowjob mean?
A blowjob is a vulgar slang term for fellatio, meaning the oral stimulation of a man's genitals. The word is a compound of "blow" and "job," and emerged in American English during the early twentieth century, though the precise reason the verb "blow" came to be attached to this particular act remains uncertain among etymologists. The term belongs firmly to informal register: it is considered obscene in most contexts and is unsuitable for professional, academic, or polite conversation, although it appears routinely in casual speech, comedy, adult media, and discussions of sexual health. Its clinical counterpart is "fellatio," which carries no vulgar connotation and is preferred in medical or educational settings. Because of its explicit nature, the word is typically filtered by content-moderation systems and avoided in general-audience publications. For learners of English, recognizing the term is useful chiefly for comprehension of informal or adult material rather than for active use.
nounA vulgar slang term for fellatio, the oral stimulation of a man's genitals.
- Vulgar slang for fellatio: oral sex performed on a man.
"The film's dialogue was peppered with crude language, including more than one reference to a blowjob."
"The comedian's routine relied on shock value, closing with a joke about a blowjob."
"In the survey, respondents were asked about their attitudes toward casual sex rather than specific acts such as the blowjob."
Regular pluralization applies; the plural is rare outside explicit contexts.
"The memoir included several anecdotes involving blowjobs."
Despite its name, the "blow" in this word has nothing to do with blowing air — linguists still aren't certain why that particular verb got attached to it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of blowjob
The word arose in American English in the early twentieth century as a compound of the verb "blow" and the noun "job," the latter long used colloquially to mean an act or task. The exact motivation for choosing "blow" is disputed; it may relate to older slang senses of the verb, but linguists have not settled on a definitive explanation. The term spread through mid-century American slang and became widespread internationally through popular culture.
How blowjob is actually used
Highly informal and vulgar; inappropriate in formal, professional, or polite contexts, though common in casual speech and adult-oriented media. Standard in explicit-content rating systems and content filters.
Easily confused with blowjob
"Blow" is an ordinary verb meaning to move air or to strike, whereas "blowjob" is a single compound noun referring specifically to fellatio.