turning the air blue
Unleashing profane language
Turning the air blue means swearing profusely or using extremely foul language, as if the words themselves could discolor the atmosphere.
The phrase typically describes an outburst of cursing prompted by frustration, pain, or anger: He hit his thumb with the hammer and turned the air blue.
British in origin but widely understood.
- curseInvoked harm through words
- swearVow or use profanity
- curse wordsTaboo expletives
- foul languageObscene or vulgar speech
- dysphemismHarsh term for neutral
taboo · anger · obscenity · outbursts · vulgarity · invective · frustration · outrage · expletive · censorship · taboo language · tirade · four-letter words · swear like a trooper · profanity · irritation · shock · embarrassment
turning the air blueminding one's language
Controlling what one says
polite conversation · speaking properly · civil tongue · mincing words · bowdlerizing
turned, turner, turners, turning, turnings, returnable, return, returns, returned