Bombshell (slang)

[1][2] The Online Etymology Dictionary by Douglas Harper attests the usage of the term in this meaning since 1942.

Bombshell has a longer history in its other, more general figurative meaning of a "shattering or devastating thing or event" since 1860.

[4] One of the blurbs on posters was "Lovely, luscious, exotic Jean Harlow as the Blonde Bombshell of filmdom.

[9] Some of the movie stars, largely of the 1940s–1960s, referred to as bombshells include Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth,[10] Diana Dors,[11] Jayne Mansfield, Mamie Van Doren,[12] Jane Russell, Ava Gardner, Camelia, Carroll Baker, Brigitte Bardot,[13] Kim Novak, Julie Christie, Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, Ann-Margret, Hind Rostom, Veronica Lake, Raquel Welch, Ursula Andress,[14][15] Marlene Dietrich, Betty Grable, Marie Wilson, Judy Holliday, Lana Turner, Dorothy Dandridge, Barbara Eden, Carol Wayne, Goldie Hawn, Claudia Cardinale, Anita Ekberg[16] and Gina Lollobrigida.

[14] Bombshells are identified with hypersexuality, their curves, including hourglass figures and large breasts, sex appeal, larger than life personas or hedonistic lifestyle,[14] as well as stereotypes associated with blonde women and supermodels.