bugger in English: A British word, said most often on its own when something goes wrong, and also used to mean "person", warmly or crossly. Its old literal sense is far stronger than the mild, almost fond way people use it today. Recognise it, do not use it. (interjection)

Translation

A British word, said most often on its own when something goes wrong, and also used to mean "person", warmly or crossly. Its old literal sense is far stronger than the mild, almost fond way people use it today. Recognise it, do not use it.

Word origin

From Old French bougre, once an insulting name for a heretic. British English wore it down into a mild curse.

Origin: Old French
Root: bougre

Examples

! .

On its own it is a small cry of annoyance, heard all over Britain.

.

Here "bugger" only means "person", and the speaker feels sorry for him.

, .

"Bugger off" means "go away". Rude, and usually said to someone you know well.

Related words

angry

Feeling very cross because something is wrong or unfair.

rude

Not kind or polite; speaking or acting in a way that upsets other people.

sorry

Feeling sad about something you did wrong or about something bad that happened.

silly

Not sensible or serious; behaving in a foolish or funny way.

sod

A British word for a person, said with either anger or pity, and a mild curse on its own. Softer than it looks: "poor sod" is sympathy, not an insult. Medium strength when it is aimed at somebody. Recognise it, do not use it.

Add to review queue

Track this word in your spaced-repetition queue and be tested on it at the right interval.

Go to my review queue