1 C1 idiomatic slang
To gain a large amount of weight, especially rapidly or noticeably. (Offensive.)
"He blimped out over the winter after giving up his gym membership."
inseparable
blimp out
C1 slang inseparable intransitive
To gain a large amount of weight, becoming noticeably overweight; considered offensive or unkind.
In plain English
To get very fat. (This word is rude — it compares a person to a blimp airship.)
What does "blimp out" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To expand to the size of a blimp — a large airship balloon.
Actually means
To get very fat. (This word is rude — it compares a person to a blimp airship.)
Usage tip
Derogatory slang comparing a person who has gained weight to a blimp (a large airship). Considered offensive and body-shaming; ESL learners should understand this expression to recognise it but should avoid using it. More common in American English. Rarely attested in formal sources.
Words that pair with "blimp out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
weight holiday summer really completely
How to conjugate "blimp out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
blimp out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
blimps out
he/she/it
Past simple
blimped out
yesterday
Past participle
blimped out
have + pp
-ing form
blimping out
continuous
Hear "blimp out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "blimp out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.