bogie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical (rail), Informal (general, esp. UK), Sports (golf)
Quick answer
What does “bogie” mean?
A low, strong truck or chassis on which railway wheels are mounted, forming part of a locomotive or railway carriage.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A low, strong truck or chassis on which railway wheels are mounted, forming part of a locomotive or railway carriage.
An unidentified, often frightening aircraft or other object; something that causes fear or anxiety. Also, a golf score of one over par on a hole. (UK: A piece of dried nasal mucus.)
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The informal 'bogie' meaning 'dried nasal mucus' is predominantly British (and Commonwealth) usage; it is very rare and marked as 'childish' in American English. The railway and golf terms are identical. The 'unidentified aircraft' sense is used in both varieties but is military jargon.
Connotations
In UK informal speech, 'bogie' can be seen as a childish or slightly vulgar term for nasal mucus. In US English, it lacks this strong informal connotation, making the railway term more neutral.
Frequency
In general UK discourse, the 'nasal mucus' sense may be more immediately familiar than the railway term to many non-specialists. In US discourse, the railway term is dominant, with the mucus sense being very low-frequency and perceived as a Britishism.
Grammar
How to Use “bogie” in a Sentence
The [NOUN] runs on a [bogie].The pilot reported a [bogie] on the radar.(Golf) He made a [bogie] on the par-three.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bogie” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- 'Stop bogie-ing about with that!' (Very rare, childish admonition)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in railway manufacturing or logistics contexts.
Academic
Used in engineering papers on railway design and mechanics.
Everyday
In the UK: informal, childish term for 'booger'. In the US: rare; mostly understood in model railroading or golf contexts.
Technical
Standard term in railway engineering, aerospace (for landing gear), and military aviation (for unidentified target).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bogie”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bogie”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bogie”
- Misspelling as 'bogey' or 'bogy'. While related, 'bogey' is standard for golf and the 'phantom' sense. 'Bogie' is standard for railways.
- Using the UK informal sense in a formal or American context, causing confusion or perceived vulgarity.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Bogie' is the standard spelling for the railway component. 'Bogey' is standard for golf (one over par) and the general sense of a source of fear or nuisance. 'Bogy' is a less common variant for the 'ghost/fear' sense. In UK informal use, all can be used for 'nasal mucus', but 'bogie' is most common.
Yes, but with important register notes. It is a very informal, somewhat childish term, equivalent to 'booger' in American English. It would be inappropriate in formal contexts.
Extremely rarely. There is a non-standard, childish UK usage meaning 'to pick one's nose', but it is not part of formal or standard English.
Essentially, yes. 'Bogie' is the standard term in UK and international (ISO) English. 'Truck' is the preferred term in American railway engineering, though 'bogie' is also understood.
A low, strong truck or chassis on which railway wheels are mounted, forming part of a locomotive or railway carriage.
Bogie is usually technical (rail), informal (general, esp. uk), sports (golf) in register.
Bogie: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbəʊ.ɡi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈboʊ.ɡi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Bogie on the six (military aviation: enemy at 6 o'clock position)”
- “To make a bogie (golf)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A BOgie GOes under the train. Think: 'BO' for the body of the train, 'G' for the ground, 'IE' for the wheels in between.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUPPORT STRUCTURE IS A MOBILE PLATFORM; AN UNKNOWN THREAT IS A PHANTOM.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'bogie' be LEAST appropriate in standard American English?