bargepole
C1Informal, primarily idiomatic
Definition
Meaning
A long, heavy pole, traditionally used to propel or guide a barge (a flat-bottomed boat) by pushing against the river or canal bed.
The word is almost exclusively used in the negative idiom "wouldn't touch [something/someone] with a bargepole," meaning to refuse to have any association or involvement with something or someone, due to strong dislike, suspicion, or perceived risk.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The literal meaning is historical/technical and rarely used in modern contexts. The idiomatic meaning is dominant, conveying a strong sense of avoidance, often due to something being distasteful, unethical, or dangerous.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The idiom is far more common and established in British English. In American English, the equivalent idiom is typically "wouldn't touch [it] with a ten-foot pole."
Connotations
In BrE, it carries a connotation of shrewd avoidance of something dubious. In AmE, using "bargepole" might sound distinctly British or be misunderstood; "ten-foot pole" is the default.
Frequency
High frequency in BrE for the idiom; very low frequency in AmE, where the literal term is virtually unknown.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] wouldn't touch [Object] with a bargepole.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “wouldn't touch something/someone with a bargepole”
- “keep at a bargepole's length”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"After the audit findings, no reputable investor would touch that company with a bargepole."
Academic
Rare, except in stylistic or linguistic analysis of idioms.
Everyday
"That dodgy market stall? I wouldn't touch their meat with a bargepole."
Technical
Historical/nautical contexts describing traditional canal boat equipment.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (Not standard as a verb)
American English
- (Not standard as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not standard as an adverb)
American English
- (Not standard as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- (Not standard as an adjective)
American English
- (Not standard as an adjective)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Not typically introduced at this level)
- The old boat had a long bargepole.
- After the scandal, most companies wouldn't touch the project with a bargepole.
- Given the ethical concerns she'd uncovered, she advised the board to avoid the potential partner with a metaphorical bargepole.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a long, dirty pole used to push a muddy barge. You wouldn't want to TOUCH it, just like you wouldn't want to touch a bad idea.
Conceptual Metaphor
PHYSICAL DISTANCE IS SOCIAL/ETHICAL AVOIDANCE (Keeping a long pole between you and something represents a desire for complete separation.)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation. The Russian idiom "и даром не надо" or "палкой не дотронусь" conveys a similar refusal, but the specific imagery differs. Translating the word as "шест" or "жердь" without the idiomatic context will confuse.
Common Mistakes
- Using it literally in modern conversation. *'He used a bargepole to move the raft.' (Unlikely, use 'pole' or 'push-pole').
- Inverting the idiom: *'I would touch that with a bargepole.' (The idiom is exclusively negative).
- In AmE: Using 'bargepole' instead of the native 'ten-foot pole'.
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the idiom 'wouldn't touch it with a bargepole' MOST natural?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost never. The word is fundamentally tied to the negative idiom expressing avoidance. A positive literal use ('He grabbed a bargepole') is technically possible but historically anachronistic and rare.
The direct equivalent is 'wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole.' The meaning and connotation are identical; only the specific object changes.
It is informal. In formal writing, alternatives like 'eschew', 'avoid assiduously', or 'refuse to be associated with' are more appropriate.
Not literally. It implies the thing is morally, ethically, reputationally, or financially 'unclean' or risky. The original metaphor plays on the idea of a dirty, slimy pole from a barge.