'blimp' originates from the British military, specifically the term 'Type B-limp,' where 'B' referred to the type of airship and 'limp' indicated its non-rigid structure.

'Type B-limp' was used in the early 20th century and eventually became the modern English word 'blimp'.

Initially, it referred to a specific type of non-rigid airship used by the military, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of any non-rigid airship, often used for advertising.