bugger

Everyday

1. (rude, UK, Australia, Ireland) A swear word said when something goes wrong ("Bugger! I missed the bus"). tree →
2. (rude) An annoying or difficult person or thing ("This lid is a bugger to open"). tree →
3. (informal, UK, Australia, affectionate) A cheeky person, often a child ("You little bugger!"). tree →
4. (rude, UK) "Bugger off" means go away; "bugger all" means nothing; "bugger up" means spoil. tree →

In the lessons

Heard in real speech in the UK, Ireland, Australia and NZ as mild-to-strong swearing; children should not use it at school. In stories it shows a character is cross or rough-spoken. In Australia it can sound almost friendly. Phrases: bugger off, bugger all, bugger it, silly bugger, lucky bugger.

Examples

• "Bugger!" Dad said when he dropped the plate. (rude) tree →
• This jar is a bugger to open. (rude) tree →
• "Bugger off and leave me alone!" the old man shouted. (rude) tree →
• We got bugger all done today. (rude) tree →
• "You cheeky little bugger," Grandad laughed. (affectionate, rude) tree →
• Don't say "bugger" at school; it is a swear word. tree →
• "Lucky bugger won the raffle again," said Uncle Pete. (rude) tree →

Note

A swear word: rude, especially in formal places; do not use it with teachers. Milder in Australia and New Zealand than in the UK, and rare and odd-sounding in the USA. Polite replacements: "Oh no!", "bother", "darn". Countable: buggers.