blue-pencil

[ bloo-pen-suhl ]

verb (used with object)

, blue-pen·ciled, blue-pen·cil·ing or (especially British) blue-pen·cilled, blue-pen·cil·ling.

1. to alter, abridge, or cancel with or as with a pencil that has blue lead, as in editing a manuscript.

blue pencil

noun

1. deletion, alteration, or censorship of the contents of a book or other work

verb

1. tr to alter or delete parts of (a book, film, etc), esp to censor

Word History and Origins

Origin of blue-pencil¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Many, especially Republicans, have loved to use their “blue pencil,” striking individual spending items from the annual state budget before signing it.

From Los Angeles Times

Gov. Gavin Newsom, however, hardly ever picks up his blue pencil.

From Los Angeles Times

The White House broke out the blue pencil after Vice President Kamala Harris issued a call to “reduce population,” editing the official transcript to say “pollution,” although some conservatives saw it as a Freudian slip.

From Washington Times

He was scheduled to host the program this Saturday, timed to the premiere of “Bupkis” — which also has Lorne Michaels as a producer — but the writers strike put a blue pencil through it.

From Los Angeles Times

On one page she noticed a blue pencil mark in the margin.

From Literature

Related Words

• alter
• amend
• compare
• cut
• develop
• improve
• modify
• overhaul
• reconsider
• reexamine
• reorganize
• revamp
• review
• rework
• rewrite
• scrutinize
• tighten
• update
• upgrade