Difference Between Blond and Blonde

Key Difference – Blond vs Blonde
 

Blond which, refers to fair or pale yellow hair color, has the same meaning as blonde. Blond/blonde can refer to very pale blond to reddish (strawberry) blond or golden-brownish (sandy). Since these two words have the same meaning, the difference between blond and blonde lies in their usage. The word blond/blonde has come to English from French. Most words in French belong to two categories based on gender: masculine and feminine. In French, blond refers to a man with fair hair and blonde refers to a woman. In English too, this distinction remains the same. Thus, the difference between blond and blonde is an influence from French. The usage of blond and blonde can vary according to their grammatical categories as well. It is also important to note that this difference is specially maintained in British English, American English usually tend to use blond for both males and females.

What Does Blond Mean?

Blond is mainly used to refer to fair hair of males or males with fair hair. The noun blond mainly refers to men with fair hair, but it can be also used if the gender of the person is unknown.

The blond at the queue winked. (Refers to a man with fair hair)

His brother is a blond, but he dyed his hair to black. 

The handsome blond reminded me of Brad Pitt.

The doctor is a blond.

Are you sure he is a natural blond?

The adjective blond is used to refer to the hair color of a male, or a person whose gender is not specified. However, in modern usage, blond is sometimes also used to describe women. In American spelling, blond is generally used for both males and females.

He dyed his hair blond.

Prudence’s sister had long blond hair.

The blond waiter who spoke insolently with the customer was fired.

A tall young man with bleached blond hair stood up.

All my brothers and sisters are blond.

The blond mannequin reminded me of my brother.

What Does Blonde Mean?

Blonde too can be used as a both noun and an adjective. The noun blonde refers to a woman or girl with fair hair. The adjective blonde refers to the hair color of a woman. Unlike blond, blonde cannot be used to describe both males and females. This word is typically reserved for females. If the gender of the person is not clear (e.g., words like doctor, professor, etc.), it is appropriate to use blond, not blonde.

The blonde looked lost. (Refers to a woman with blonde hair)

That beautiful blonde is the girlfriend of the chairman.

She had dirty blonde hair as a child.

Gertrude had soft blond hair and pale, freckled skin.

The new commander’s wife was a blonde.

A tall blonde was waiting for him in front of the flower shop.

What is the difference between Blond and Blonde?

Before looking at the difference between blond and blonde, it is important to keep in mind that this difference is mainly observed in British English. American English mainly uses blond.

Gender:

Blond is used for men.

Blonde is used for women.

Noun:

Blond refers to a man, or a person whose gender is unspecified, with fair hair.

Blonde refers to a girl or woman with fair hair.

Adjective:

Blond can refer to fair hair of both males and females.

Blonde refer to fair hair of females.

Interchangeability:

Blond is sometimes used to describe both males and females.

Blonde is only used to describe females.