bugger
5 synonyms for bugger, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A mild but crude term for a person, often used affectionately or with irritation, especially in British and Australian English.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A mild but crude term for a person, often used affectionately or with irritation, especially in British and Australian English.
“The poor little bugger fell asleep before dessert.”
Etymology
From Old French "bougre," originally meaning "heretic" (a reference to the Bulgarian-linked Bogomil sect), which later took on its cruder, unrelated sexual sense in English.
Full origin of bugger →Frequently asked questions
What does “bugger” mean?
The word “bugger” means a mild but crude term for a person, often used affectionately or with irritation, especially in British and Australian English. In plain terms, a very common, mildly crude British/Australian word — can be an insult, a curse of frustration, or oddly affectionate depending on tone.
How do you pronounce “bugger”?
“Bugger” is pronounced BUH-guh (/ˈbʌɡəɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “bugger” in a sentence?
Here is “bugger” used in a sentence: “The poor little bugger fell asleep before dessert.”
What part of speech is “bugger”?
Depending on how it is used, “bugger” can be a noun, an intj and a verb.
Where does the word “bugger” come from?
The word “bugger” comes from Old French.
How many meanings does “bugger” have?
“Bugger” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a mild but crude term for a person, often used affectionately or with irritation, especially in British and Australian English.
