Blue Movie: Definition, Meaning and Origin

Last Updated on
May 23, 2023

The idiom "Blue movie" refers to an explicit film or video, usually of a sexual nature, aimed at adults who seek explicit content for entertainment purposes.

In short:

"Blue movie" means adult films or videos

What Does "Blue Movie" Mean?

The expression "Blue movie" is a euphemism mainly used to describe films or videos containing explicit sexual content. This idiom might also refer to erotic or pornographic videos aimed at adult audiences.

Here are some primary aspects to remember:

  • A "Blue movie" contains explicit sexual content that is not intended for young people or general audiences.
  • The term "Blue" in this context specifically refers to the sexual or erotic content of the movie.
  • Alternative terms include "Adult film" or "Pornographic film."

Although this idiom suggests a certain level of explicitness, it's important to note that the level of explicit content and the intended audience might vary depending on the film or video.

Where Does "Blue Movie" Come From?

The term "blue movie" is an idiom that refers to a pornographic film. It originated in the early 20th century, and its usage can be traced back to the 1920s. The exact origin of the term is uncertain.

The Blue Laws

One theory posits that the term "blue movie" is related to the "Blue Laws" that existed in the United States from the colonial period. These laws, aimed at enforcing moral standards, were known to impose restrictions on various leisure activities, including the consumption of adult-themed movies. Thus, the term "blue movie" may have been coined to describe films that fell outside of these regulations.

Historical Example

"Blue Movie, the first adult erotic film depicting explicit sex to receive wide theatrical release in the United States, is a seminal film in the Golden Age of Porn and, according to Warhol, a major influence in the making of Last Tango in Paris, an internationally controversial erotic drama film."

-1923 film "Blue Movie" by Andy Warhol

10 Examples of "Blue Movie" in Sentences

Here are 10 examples showcasing the use of "Blue movie" in different contexts:

  • At the party, John couldn't help but fawn over his favorite celebrity, treating her like a blue movie come to life.
  • Many people have a problem with the proliferation of blue movies on the internet.
  • He used to subscribe to a cable channel dedicated to blue movies.
  • I was shocked to find a collection of blue movies hidden in her drawer.
  • While watching a blue movie, I feel you're searching for a connection beyond the screen.
  • The video store down the street has a hidden section for blue movies.
  • She didn't expect to find a scene from a blue movie in the middle of her favorite television show.
  • On a side note, I heard that John accidentally played a blue movie during his PowerPoint presentation.
  • The use of blue movies as a form of sex education is still a topic of debate.
  • One's personal choices, like watching a blue movie, are not for others to police or judge.

Examples of "Blue Movie" in Pop Culture

The following are examples of "Blue movies" found in various pop culture contexts:

  • Andy Warhol's Blue Movie (1969) film title is a direct reference to the expression.
  • In the HBO drama The Deuce, the characters often deal with the production of blue movies.
  • The documentary "Inside Deep Throat" explores the impact of adult films in the 1970s, including blue movies.
  • The show Californication had several episodes that dealt with the main character and his involvement with blue movies.
  • Boogie Nights are regarded in the same genre as blue movies.
  • The British film Confessions of a Window Cleaner was the country's first "softcore" blue movie.
  • Chilly Scenes of Winter explores the life of a young man who works in a theater that screens blue movies.
  • In the novel, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Lisbeth Salander is occasionally seen watching blue movies.

Other Ways to Say "Blue Movie" in Sentences

Here are some alternative ways to express the idea of a "Blue movie":

  • I can't believe my neighbor's movie collection is filled with pornographic films.
  • Before the internet, it was common for people to rent adult films.
  • The video-sharing website is notorious for hosting X-rated movies.
  • My friend's fascination with erotica got him in trouble when he was caught watching it at work.
  • He had a secret stash of sex movies hidden in his garage.
  • Several hardcore videos were discovered during a police raid on the suspect's home.
  • The strict principal found out about the students who were watching adult content on their phones during school hours.
  • It turns out she had a brief career in explicit films before becoming a mainstream actress.
  • The store owner was arrested for selling obscene videos under the counter.
  • The skin flick was secretly filmed on location on an exotic island.

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "[Blue movie]":

  • What is the origin of the term "Blue movie"?
    The term originated in the early 20th century as a euphemism for sexually explicit content during a period of strict censorship laws.
  • Are "Blue movies" the same as pornographic films?
    Yes, "Blue movies" are considered a type of pornographic film.
  • Who is the target audience for Blue movies?
    Blue movies are aimed at adults who seek explicit content for entertainment purposes.
  • What is the meaning of the term "Blue" in "Blue movies"?
    In the context of Blue movies, the term "Blue" specifically refers to the sexual or erotic content of the film.
  • What are some alternative terms for "Blue movies"?
    Alternative terms for "Blue movies" include "adult films" or "pornographic films."
  • Is the level of explicit content consistent across all Blue movies?
    No, the level of explicit content and the intended audience may vary depending on the specific film or video.
  • When was the term "Blue movie" first used?
    The term "Blue movie" is believed to have been first used in the early 20th century, possibly around the 1920s.
  • Can you provide examples of "Blue movies" in pop culture?
    Examples of "Blue movies" in pop culture include Andy Warhol's "Blue Movie" (1969), the HBO drama series "The Deuce," and the film "Boogie Nights."
  • What are some other ways to refer to "Blue movies"?
    Other ways to express the idea of a Blue movie include "pornographic films," "adult films," "X-rated movies," or "explicit films."
  • Are "Blue movies" still produced today?
    Yes, "Blue movies", or pornographic films, are still produced and consumed today, although the industry and distribution methods have evolved with technological advancements.

Final Thoughts About "Blue Movie"

The idiom "Blue movie" refers to explicit films or videos, usually of a sexual nature, aimed at adults who seek explicit content for entertainment purposes. It is a euphemism used to describe movies containing explicit sexual content that is not intended for young people or general audiences. The term "Blue" specifically refers to the sexual or erotic content of the film. While the level of explicitness and the intended audience may vary, the term has its roots in the early 20th century, during a period of strict censorship laws.

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