bogey-hole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowRegional (chiefly Australian), Historical, Informal, Rare Technical
Quick answer
What does “bogey-hole” mean?
A small natural or man-made pool in rocks near the sea, used for bathing or paddling.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small natural or man-made pool in rocks near the sea, used for bathing or paddling.
Can refer to a small, secluded bathing spot, often historically used; also has rare technical slang uses in mining (a small exploratory pit) or golf (an informal term for a hole).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Not a term in common use in either. It is primarily Australian. If encountered in the UK, it would likely be in historical/local contexts describing coastal features. In the US, it would be extremely rare and possibly misunderstood.
Connotations
In Australia: nostalgic, local colour. In UK/US: obscure, potentially confusing.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside of specific Australian contexts or historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “bogey-hole” in a Sentence
[Children] paddled in the bogey-hole.The [coastal walk] passes a famous bogey-hole.We found a bogey-hole among the [rocks].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bogey-hole” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We used to bogey-hole here as kids. (regional, rare, verbing)
American English
- [No standard usage]
adverb
British English
- [No standard usage]
American English
- [No standard usage]
adjective
British English
- The bogey-hole spot was marked on the old map.
American English
- [No standard usage]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or regional geographical studies.
Everyday
Virtually never in international English. Possibly in specific Australian coastal communities.
Technical
Rarely in historical mining jargon for a test pit.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bogey-hole”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bogey-hole”
- Spelling: 'bogie-hole' or 'bogy-hole' are common historical variants.
- Assuming it is related to 'bogey' in golf or 'bogeyman'.
- Using it as a general term for any small pool.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is likely derived from an Australian Aboriginal word (Dharug language) 'bogey' or 'bogi', meaning 'to swim' or 'bathing'.
No. It specifically refers to a small natural or semi-natural pool at the seaside, not a constructed swimming pool.
No, that is a different etymology. 'Bogeyman' comes from Middle English 'bugge' (hobgoblin). The similarity is coincidental.
The most well-known is 'The Bogey Hole' in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia – a man-made ocean pool carved by convicts in the early 1800s.
A small natural or man-made pool in rocks near the sea, used for bathing or paddling.
Bogey-hole is usually regional (chiefly australian), historical, informal, rare technical in register.
Bogey-hole: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbəʊɡi həʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈboʊɡi hoʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. The word itself is niche.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BOGEYman (monster) wouldn't fit in this small HOLE in the rocks by the sea – it's just for kids to paddle in.
Conceptual Metaphor
NATURE'S BATH: A small, naturally formed feature is conceptualized as a purpose-built, intimate bathing facility.
Practice
Quiz
In which country is the term 'bogey-hole' primarily used?