What is the origin of 'sleep tight'?
Read moreOne of the mysteries of the English language finally explained.
noun
Britishvulgar slang
1Used as a term of abuse, especially for a man.
scoundrel, villain, rogue, rascal, brute, animal, weasel, snake, monster, ogre, wretch, devil, good-for-nothing, reprobate, wrongdoer, evil-doerView synonyms- 1.1 Used as a term of affection or respect, typically grudgingly.‘I just hope you didn't hurt the poor bugger’‘all right, let the little buggers come in’human being, individual, man, woman, human, being, living soul, soul, mortal, creature, fellowView synonyms
- 1.2 An annoyingly awkward thing.‘muskets are a bugger to load’
- 1.1 Used as a term of affection or respect, typically grudgingly.
2A person who penetrates the anus of someone during sexual intercourse.
verb
[with object]Britishvulgar slang
1Penetrate the anus of (someone) during sexual intercourse.
2often bugger someone/something about" or "bugger someone/something upCause serious harm or trouble to.
- 2.1bugger about/aroundno object Act in a stupid or feckless way.
- 2.2 Used to express an angrily dismissive attitude to (someone or something).
- 2.1bugger about/aroundno object Act in a stupid or feckless way.
exclamation
Britishvulgar slang
Used to express annoyance or anger.
Phrases
bugger all
vulgar slang Nothing.
not a thing, not a single thing, not anything, nothing at all, nil, zeroView synonymsbugger me
vulgar slang Used to express surprise or amazement.
I'm buggered if —
vulgar slang Used to make the following clause negative.
not give a bugger
vulgar slang Not care in the slightest.
play silly buggers
vulgar slang Act in a foolish way.
well, I'm (or I'll be) buggered
vulgar slang Used to express one's amazement at something.
Phrasal Verbs
bugger off
usually in imperativeGo away.
go away, depart, leave, take off, get out, get out of my sightView synonyms
Origin
Middle English (originally denoting a heretic, specifically an Albigensian): from Middle Dutch, from Old French bougre ‘heretic’, from medieval Latin Bulgarus ‘Bulgarian’, particularly one belonging to the Orthodox Church and therefore regarded as a heretic by the Roman Church. The sense ‘sodomite’ (16th century) arose from an association of heresy with forbidden sexual practices; its use as a general insult dates from the early 18th century.
