Blow, to expose, or inform; “BLOW the gaff,” to inform against a person.
“‘As for that,’ says Will, ‘I could tell it well enough, if I had it, but I must not be seen anywhere among my old acquaintances, for I am BLOWN, and they will all betray me.’”—History of Colonel Jack, 1723.
The expression would seem to have arisen from the belief that a flower might be blighted if “BLOWN upon” by a foul wind or a corrupted breath. See the condition of the flowers on a dinner-table by the time the company rise. In America, “to BLOW” is slang for to lie in a boasting manner, to brag or “gas” unduly.
Blow a Cloud, to smoke a cigar or pipe—a phrase used two centuries ago. Most likely in use as long as tobacco here—an almost evident conclusion.
Blow Me, or BLOW ME TIGHT, a vow, a ridiculous and unmeaning ejaculation, inferring an appeal to the ejaculator; “I’m BLOWED if you will” is a common expression among the lower orders; “BLOW ME UP” was the term a century ago.—See Parker’s Adventures, 1781.—The expression BE-BLOWED is now more general. Thomas Hood used to tell a story:—
“I was once asked to contribute to a new journal, not exactly gratuitously, but at a very small advance upon nothing—and avowedly because the work had been planned according to that estimate. However, I accepted the terms conditionally—that is to say, provided the principle could be properly carried out. Accordingly, I wrote to my butcher, baker, and other tradesmen, informing them that it was necessary, for the sake of cheap literature and the interest of the reading public, that they should furnish me with their several commodities at a very trifling per-centage above cost price. It will be sufficient to quote the answer of the butcher:—‘Sir,—Respectin’ your note, Cheap literater BE BLOWED! Butchers must live as well as other pepel—and if so be you or the readin’ publick wants to have meat at prime cost, you must buy your own beastesses, and kill yourselves.—I remane, etc.
“‘John Stokes.’”
Blow Out, or TUCK IN, a feast. Sometimes the expression is, “BLOW OUT your bags.” A BLOW OUT is often called a tightener.
Blow Up, to make a noise, or scold; formerly a cant expression used among thieves, now a recognised and respectable phrase. Blowing up, a jobation, a scolding.