Search
Select the dictionary language
to blag
01
to obtain something by theft, robbery, or deception
Dialect
British
Transitive
Slang
Grammatical Information
Composition
Simple
Action verb
Regular
Present tense
blag
3rd person singular
blags
Present participle
blagging
Past simple
blagged
Past participle
blagged
What does "to blag" mean in British slang?
The structure is a simple verb of uncertain origin, possibly from French "blaguer" (to joke or lie) or from Romani slang. It is used in British English to mean obtaining something by theft, robbery, or deception, often through smooth talking, lying, or conning. People typically say "He blagged his way into the club" or "They blagged a free meal by complaining." The term originated in 20th century British criminal and underworld slang, later spreading into general usage for any successful act of persuasion or deception, and remains common in informal UK speech.
Examples
He blagged a few watches from the shop.



























