bogart: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, slang
Quick answer
What does “bogart” mean?
To monopolize, hog, or use something selfishly, often by keeping it to oneself for too long.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To monopolize, hog, or use something selfishly, often by keeping it to oneself for too long.
Derived from the name of actor Humphrey Bogart, who was often seen holding a cigarette on screen; it initially meant to monopolize a joint (marijuana cigarette) but expanded to mean selfishly monopolizing anything.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is understood in both varieties, but is more commonly used in American English, likely due to its cultural origins. In British English, it might be seen as a niche Americanism.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be recognized and used in countercultural or younger demographics in the US. In the UK, it may be met with puzzlement in general conversation.
Frequency
Low frequency in the UK; low-to-very-low in the US, found more in specific subcultures or nostalgic/ironic usage.
Grammar
How to Use “bogart” in a Sentence
[Subject] + bogart + [Direct Object] (e.g., He bogarted the chips.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bogart” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Mate, stop bogarting the crisps and pass the bag.
- He's been bogarting the aux cable all night, playing his terrible music.
American English
- Don't bogart the remote, dude.
- She totally bogarted the conversation and didn't let anyone else speak.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Very rare; might be used humorously in informal meetings (e.g., 'Stop bogarting the whiteboard marker.').
Academic
Extremely rare; not used in formal academic writing.
Everyday
Informal use among friends/family regarding shared items (food, remote).
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bogart”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bogart”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bogart”
- Using it as a noun (e.g., 'He is a bogart' is non-standard).
- Spelling it as 'Bogard' or 'Boggart' (the latter is a creature from Harry Potter).
- Assuming it's a general term for acting.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While it originated from 1960s counterculture referring to marijuana joints, its modern usage has broadened to mean selfishly hogging any shared item (food, remote, conversation).
Standard dictionaries list it primarily as a verb. Using it as a noun (e.g., 'He's a bogart') is non-standard slang, though occasionally heard.
It is exclusively informal slang. It is not appropriate for formal, academic, or business writing.
No. It is a low-frequency, culturally specific slang term. It's useful for understanding informal media (films, songs) but not essential for general communication.
To monopolize, hog, or use something selfishly, often by keeping it to oneself for too long.
Bogart: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbəʊ.ɡɑːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈboʊ.ɡɑːrt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't bogart that joint/my friend.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Picture a famous actor (Humphrey Bogart) holding a cigarette and refusing to pass it. The image of 'holding on' selfishly is key.
Conceptual Metaphor
SELFISH BEHAVIOR IS HOARDING/A POSSESSIVE ACTOR.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most likely origin of the verb 'to bogart'?