noun

Bhopal

boh-PAHL

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Bhopal (noun) means used generically to refer to a catastrophic industrial accident, after the 1984 gas leak disaster in Bhopal, India, that killed thousands. Example: “Safety inspectors warned that ignoring the leak could lead to "another Bhopal.”

noun

Used generically to refer to a catastrophic industrial accident, after the 1984 gas leak disaster in Bhopal, India, that killed thousands.

"Safety inspectors warned that ignoring the leak could lead to "another Bhopal.""

How to use Bhopal

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA place name used as shorthand for a major industrial disaster.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: Bhopals

Test yourself on “Bhopal” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Safety inspectors warned that ignoring the leak could lead to "another _____."

Etymology

From the city of Bhopal, India, site of the 1984 Union Carbide gas leak — one of the worst industrial disasters in history.

· First attested 1984

Class of 1984 Bhopal joined the language around 1984.

foodie Madison terminator

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Rhymes for Bhopal

opal Gopal

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Frequently asked questions

What does “Bhopal” mean?

The word “Bhopal” means used generically to refer to a catastrophic industrial accident, after the 1984 gas leak disaster in Bhopal, India, that killed thousands. In plain terms, a place name used as shorthand for a major industrial disaster.

How do you pronounce “Bhopal”?

“Bhopal” is pronounced boh-PAHL (/bəʊˈpɑːl/ in IPA).

How do you use “Bhopal” in a sentence?

Here is “Bhopal” used in a sentence: “Safety inspectors warned that ignoring the leak could lead to "another Bhopal.".”

What part of speech is “Bhopal”?

“Bhopal” is a noun.

Where does the word “Bhopal” come from?

The word “Bhopal” dates back to around 1984. From the city of Bhopal, India, site of the 1984 Union Carbide gas leak — one of the worst industrial disasters in history.