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bugger
1[buhg-er, boog-]
noun
Informal.a fellow or lad (used affectionately or abusively).
a cute little bugger.
Informal.any object or thing.
Often Vulgar.a sodomite.
Chiefly British Slang.
a despicable or contemptible person, especially a man.
an annoying or troublesome thing, situation, etc.
verb (used with object)
Often Vulgar.to sodomize.
Slang.damn.
Bugger the cost—I want the best.
Chiefly British Slang.to trick, deceive, or take advantage of.
verb phrase
Britishto depart; bug off.
Britishto ruin; spoil; botch.
bugger
2[buhg-er]
a person who installs a hidden listening device.
bugger
/ ˈʌɡə /
noun
a person who practises buggery
slanga person or thing considered to be contemptible, unpleasant, or difficult
slanga humorous or affectionate term for a man or child
a silly old bugger
a friendly little bugger
slangnothing
slangto fool around and waste time
verb
to practise buggery (with)
slang(tr) to ruin, complicate, or frustrate
slangto tire; weary
he was absolutely buggered
interjection
slangan exclamation of annoyance or disappointment
Word History and Origins
Origin of bugger1
Word History and Origins
Origin of bugger1
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When To Use
Bugger seems like a completely harmless word, right? Wrong.While often used informally as an insult (like "jerk") or to refer to any ole whachamacallit, bugger has also been used as a more offensive vulgar term for "sodomy."Bugger ultimately originates from the Medieval Latin Bulgarus, literally "Bulgarian." During the Middle Ages, the Balkans (the peninsula where Bulgaria is located) were linked to heretical sects, such as a group known as the Bogomils, who were said to engage in deviant sexual practices.We can see that the history of bugger has both historical layers of xenophobia and homophobia. Keep context in mind when using this word or else someone might tell you to bugger off.If knowing the history of bugger has got you reflecting on your word choices, this slideshow, "These Common Words Have Offensive Histories," discusses many other words whose place in your vocab you may want to reconsider.
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