bling
UK[blɪŋ]US[blɪŋ]
n
Expensive, ostentatious clothing and jewelry, or the style associated with wearing them.
Etymology
The word "bling" is a quintessential example of modern slang creation, entering mainstream English in the late 1990s via hip-hop culture. It is onomatopoeic in origin, designed to mimic the visual effect and imagined sound of light glinting off shiny, expensive jewelry. The term was popularized by artists and music videos celebrating conspicuous consumption, and it was formally added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2003. Its journey from a niche, imitative slang term to a recognized lexical item illustrates how subcultures can directly and rapidly influence the evolution of the English language.
Analysis
This word is a modern slang term formed by onomatopoeia, imitating the sound of light reflecting off jewelry. It is not composed of classical morphemes.
Examples
The rapper's entire outfit was covered in bling.
She prefers subtle elegance over flashy bling.
The award ceremony was a showcase of designer gowns and bling.