scream bloody/blue murder, to
Definition: To shout loudly in pain, fear, or anger.
A phrase as intense and dramatic as this one is bound to have an electrifying history. The phrase “scream bloody/blue murder” vividly paints a picture of someone losing their composure in an extreme manner. Let’s break down the scream-worthy elements of this idiom.
Origins:
The phrase “blue murder” seems to trace its roots to a clever twist on the French expletive morbleu (a contraction of mort bleu which interestingly translates to “blue death”). This Western European flavor gives it a certain je ne sais quoi, non?
The Hotten Dictionary of Slang in 1859 described it as an alarming cry, providing a solid foundation for its more modern usage.
The term gained some theatrical fame thanks to Irish playwright Dion Boucicault in 1874, who artfully crafted the phrase, “They were standing by and trying to screech blue murder.”
For our friends across the pond in America, “bloody murder” has dominated usage since the early 1900s. Just check out this colorful reference: “The one-year-old who has yelled bloody murder during his physical” by B. Spock in Problems of Parents (1962).
Related Terms & Expressions:
Here are some other idioms and expressions with equally vivid imagery:
- Cry wolf: To give a false alarm.
- Raise hell: To behave in a wild and uncontrollable manner.
- Hit the ceiling: To become very angry.
- Go ballistic: To react in an extremely emotional way.
- Scream one’s head off: To shout or scream very loudly.
- Yell bloody murder: Well, isn’t this déjà vu in an alternative suit!
Synonyms:
- Yelp
- Bawl
- Squawk
- Shriek
- Wail
Antonyms:
- Whisper
- Mutter
- Murmer
- Hush
Quotable Quotes:
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. But if you scream bloody murder, they’ll hear you for miles!” — Nonny Mouse 🐭
Literary & Pop Culture References:
- Books: “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” by Victor Hugo — Imagine Quasimodo screaming “blue murder” from the bell tower!
- Movies: “The Exorcist” — There’s enough screeching to make one think someone is truly screaming bloody murder.
- Songs: “Shout” by Tears for Fears — This song embodies the emotional catharsis of, well, shouting bloody/blue murder.
- Poetry: Emily Dickinson’s poem on grief could be seen as a whisper of what one screams out loud.
Inspirational thought: “At times, life makes us scream bloody murder. Yet, in those high-pitched moments, we discover our voice and move mountains. Do not fear the scream; embrace it.” — I. M. Roarin
