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

[oryx_and_crake]

It was vulgar for the first five or six years
---
for the first five or six years of what?

[ex-forest-l.livejournal.com]

The first five or six years after the word was uttered on television. I think. At least it's not so impolite to say it these days. :)