Блин!

[mister-mist.livejournal.com]

What is the exact meaning of the expression "блин!" that some people use to decorate their language? I suppose it is vulgar, but is it also offending? And what is the relation to the small delicious Russian food speciality with that name?

I hope that I can get a precise answer here. I have asked the question directly to a few Russian people, but they seem reluctant to answering and try to move the conversation away from the subject.

Спасибо всем! Thank you, everybody!
You have certainly given an elaborate explanation and improved my understanding.

Comments

[shellesie.livejournal.com]

Блин! is an euphemism for the interjection БляДь! (some people write as Блять do distinguish it from a prostitute) or Бля! (short form), which is used like "Fuck!". Блин! is not such offensive like Бля! but it's a kind of slang.

[shellesie.livejournal.com]

... so Блин is used just because of first two letters, similar with Бля, and has no relation to food )

[crystal-cold.livejournal.com]

And also often it is used with adjective "горелый" (burn). So Блин Горелый is more expressive form then just Блин and has the relation with that food you've mentioned. Playing with words.

[archaicos.livejournal.com]

Well, there's this saying "первый блин комом" meaning that it's the normal deal to have the first pancake done wrong looking as a clod (because of lack of practice or the pan not being the right temperature/lubrication). Could be that 1st pancake.

[pigmeich.livejournal.com]

My dictionary don't contain an account for adjective 'burn'.

I'm not sure, again. I'm just couldn't translate 'горелый' as 'burn', only as 'burned'.

[crystal-cold.livejournal.com]

Yes, my mistake%) Was in a hurry when posted the last time:)
"Горелый" - overfried or burned to ashes.

[pinky-the-cow.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't agree. "Блин горелый"? That's some original research. I have never heard anyone use that.

[crystal-cold.livejournal.com]

Well, I won't debate, but I've heard it often:)

[pigmeich.livejournal.com]

Is it really?

I mean I never heard about Блин's etymology.

[shellesie.livejournal.com]

errr... why do you doubt? Блин or Бляха-муха instead of "other Бл", "Ёшкин кот" instead of "other Ё..." and so on.

[eloise-13.livejournal.com]

yeah, it's absolutely true. sort of a euphemism. my mum has always told me off for using "блин!" mainly because it's a substitute for an expletive.