blankety-blank

1 of 2

adjective (or adverb)

blank·​ety-blank
¦blaŋkət|ē¦blaŋk, 
-aiŋkət|d¦blaiŋk, 
-kət|, 
|i¦-
variants or less commonly blankety
ˈ⸗⸗⸗
: damned
—used as a generalized expression of disapproval
the interruptions for those blankety-blank … commercials—Jack Gould
do what he blankety-blank well pleases—Gerard Smith

blankety-blank

2 of 2

noun

"
: wretch, fool
—used as a generalized expression of disapproval
that blankety-blank can't make up his mind whether he's for us or against us—Newsweek

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (or adverb)

reduplication of blank entry 1

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Blankety-blank.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blankety-blank. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster