How Do You Spell BLOW-INS?

Pronunciation: [blˈə͡ʊˈɪnz] (IPA)

The word "blow-ins" refers to people who have recently moved to a new place. The spelling of this word is somewhat unusual, with the "-ow-" sound in the first syllable and the "-in-" sound in the second. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced /ˈbloʊˌɪnz/, with the stressed syllable being "blow" and the "ins" making a schwa sound. Despite its unconventional spelling, "blow-ins" is a commonly used term in many English-speaking countries, especially in Ireland and Australia.

BLOW-INS Meaning and Definition

  1. Blow-ins is a colloquial term used to refer to people who have recently moved or migrated to a particular area, without any prior connection to that place or its community. The term is commonly used in Irish English, particularly in rural regions.

    Blow-ins are typically seen as outsiders, new to the area and unfamiliar with its customs, traditions, and social dynamics. They are often perceived as lacking a sense of belonging or commitment to the local community. The term may carry some negative connotations, implying a certain level of estrangement or aloofness from the established residents.

    The origin of the term "blow-ins" is not clear, but it is commonly believed to derive from the phrase "blown in on the wind," suggesting a sudden arrival or being carried by the wind to a foreign place. It emphasizes the notion that blow-ins are transient, potentially temporary, and not deeply rooted in the community.

    In a broader context, blow-ins can refer to newcomers or migrants in general, who are not integrated into the social fabric of their new surroundings. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe individuals who are perceived as interlopers or intruders in various settings, such as workplaces or social groups.

    It is important to note that the term blow-ins can be considered somewhat derogatory, as it tends to marginalize and stigmatize individuals who are new to an area.

Etymology of BLOW-INS

The term "blow-in" is primarily used in Ireland, particularly in rural areas, to refer to someone who has recently moved to a place and is considered an outsider. The etymology of the term can be traced back to the late 19th century.

The word "blow-in" is believed to originate from the phrase "blow in on the back of an ass" or "come in on the back of an ass". "Blow-in" and its variants like "blow-over" or "blow-in-the-gate" were initially used to describe a stranger who arrived in a village or town on a donkey's back. This phrase was commonly used in rural communities where people often used animals such as donkeys for transportation.

Over time, the term "blow-in" evolved to describe anyone who arrived in a place from somewhere else, regardless of their mode of transportation.