Pronunciation: [blˈʌd͡ʒ] (IPA) 
The word "bludge" is an informal term for a police truncheon or baton. Its spelling can be a bit confusing, as the "ge" at the end is pronounced like a "j" sound. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word would be /blʌdʒ/. The "ʌ" represents the short "u" sound in "but," while the "dʒ" indicates the "j" sound at the end. Despite its informal nature, it is important to spell words correctly to ensure clear communication.
Bludge is a slang term that can be used as a noun or a verb. As a noun, it refers to a heavy, often blunt weapon, typically made out of wood or metal, used to strike or bludgeon someone. This term is derived from an Australian slang term for a club-like instrument.
As a verb, bludge means to beat or strike someone repeatedly using a bludgeon or a similar object. It implies an act of violence or assault, often resulting in severe injuries. However, in modern usage, bludge more commonly refers to swindling, deceiving, or taking advantage of someone through manipulation, coercion, or exploitation. It is often seen as an act of unfairly extracting or mooching resources or benefits from others, typically without contributing anything in return.
The term bludge is also used to describe the act of avoiding work or taking advantage of others' efforts by being lazy or freeloading. It suggests that the person is shirking their responsibilities or relying on the efforts of others to achieve personal gain or comfort.
In summary, bludge can refer to a heavy weapon used for striking, the act of physically assaulting someone with such a weapon, or taking advantage of others through deception, manipulation, or laziness. This term carries negative connotations and is often used to describe unfair or exploitative behavior.
The word "bludge" does not have an extensive etymology as it is considered to be a slang term or an abbreviation of another word. It has its origins in 19th century English slang, primarily used in British English, and is believed to be an abbreviation of the word "bludgeoner", which referred to a criminal or a highly persuasive person. The exact origins and development of the term, however, are unclear. It is often associated with thievery or obtaining things through dishonest means.
