bogey: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, except in technical contexts (golf, military).
Quick answer
What does “bogey” mean?
A piece of dried or semi-solid mucus from the nose.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A piece of dried or semi-solid mucus from the nose.
An enemy aircraft; a score in golf that is one stroke over par on a hole; a cause of fear or worry; an unidentified or hostile target.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The 'mucus' sense is common in both. The golf term 'bogey' is standard internationally, but 'par' is more frequent in US commentary. 'Bogey' as a military term for an unidentified/ hostile aircraft or radar target is common in both, heavily influenced by military jargon.
Connotations
In everyday use, the 'mucus' sense is universally informal and slightly childish/vulgar. As a military term, it is neutral and technical. The 'source of worry' sense (e.g., 'inflation is the big bogey') is somewhat old-fashioned or journalistic.
Frequency
The 'mucus' sense is likely the most frequent in casual conversation, especially among children. The golf term is frequent in sports contexts. The military use is niche.
Grammar
How to Use “bogey” in a Sentence
to bogey a hole (verb + noun)to have a bogey (verb + noun)to be a bogey (copula + noun)the bogey of (noun + of + noun)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bogey” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He bogeyed the final hole to lose the match.
- I hope I don't bogey this par three.
American English
- She bogeyed the 18th, finishing one over.
- To win, you must not bogey any more holes.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not commonly used as an adjective.
American English
- Not commonly used as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'The bogey of a recession is affecting investor confidence.'
Academic
Rare, except in historical/military studies discussing aerial combat.
Everyday
Common for 'nasal mucus' among children/informally. Also used in golf contexts.
Technical
Standard in military aviation for an unidentified contact. Standard in golf for a score one over par.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bogey”
- Confusing 'bogey', 'boogie', and 'bogie' (a railway truck).
- Using the childish 'mucus' meaning in a formal report.
- Spelling as 'bogie' when referring to golf/mucus (though 'bogie' is a variant).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It's informal and childish rather than deeply offensive. 'Snot' is considered cruder. It's not appropriate for formal settings.
These are scores relative to par. Bogey = one stroke over par. Birdie = one stroke under par. Eagle = two strokes under par.
It's believed to originate from the 'bogeyman', representing an unseen threat. It was used in WWII pilot slang for an unidentified aircraft.
Yes, primarily in golf. 'To bogey a hole' means to complete it in one stroke over par.
A piece of dried or semi-solid mucus from the nose.
Bogey is usually informal, except in technical contexts (golf, military). in register.
Bogey: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbəʊɡi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈboʊɡi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the bogey man”
- “bogey off! (slang, chiefly UK, meaning 'go away')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a golfer (BOGey) wiping his nose after making a bad shot over par.
Conceptual Metaphor
FEAR/THREAT IS AN INVISIBLE MONSTER (the bogeyman). A PROBLEM IS A PURSUING ENTITY (military bogey).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'bogey' be considered a technical, neutral term?