bling

Everyday

1. (slang) Shiny, expensive-looking jewellery such as big gold chains and sparkly rings. tree →
2. (slang) A flashy show of wealth, or something covered in glitter or sparkles. tree →

In the lessons

It is an informal, fun word from hip-hop slang. In everyday life children use it for sparkly things: «bling» on a phone case or dance costume. In stories it tells the reader someone is showing off wealth. Phrase: «bling-bling».

Examples

• The rapper wore loads of bling. tree →
• My little sister covered her pencil case in bling. tree →
• Her party dress had lots of bling on it. tree →
• That watch is so bling! (slang) tree →
• The dance costumes were full of sparkly bling. tree →
• He likes clothes with no bling at all. tree →
• The car had gold bling on the wheels. tree →

Note

Slang and uncountable: «lots of bling», not «a bling». It imitates the sound of light flashing off jewels. Not used in formal writing; say «jewellery» or «sparkly decorations» instead.