boogie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, slang
Quick answer
What does “boogie” mean?
To dance energetically, often in an informal style to popular music.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To dance energetically, often in an informal style to popular music.
1. A lively dance to rock, blues, or disco music. 2. (slang) To move or go quickly. 3. (medical, informal) Mucus from the nose (chiefly US child's term).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The 'mucus' sense is primarily US, often spelled 'booger' in that context. The verb 'to boogie' is more strongly associated with 1970s disco culture in the UK. The phrase 'boogie on down' is a stereotypical UK disco-era phrase.
Connotations
UK: Nostalgic, associated with 70s discos. US: The dance sense is more timeless (blues/rock roots); 'booger' for mucus is common, 'boogie' for mucus is less common spelling.
Frequency
The dance verb/noun is moderately common in both. The 'mucus' sense is very low-frequency in the UK and would be confusing.
Grammar
How to Use “boogie” in a Sentence
[Subject] boogies (intransitive)[Subject] boogies [Adverb of place/duration] (e.g., boogied across the floor, boogied all night)Play some boogie (noun)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “boogie” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They all boogied on down to the disco classic.
- We boogied until the early hours.
American English
- Let's boogie! This song is great.
- He boogied out of the room before we could ask him.
adverb
British English
- Not a standard adverbial use.
- Not a standard adverbial use.
American English
- Not a standard adverbial use.
- Not a standard adverbial use.
adjective
British English
- It's a proper boogie night at the community centre.
- He's got some funky boogie shoes.
American English
- I love that boogie rhythm.
- She put on a boogie record.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in metaphorical use (e.g., 'Let's boogie on this project!' meaning let's get moving).
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Common in informal contexts related to dancing, music, or informal departure.
Technical
Used in musicology for 'boogie-woogie' piano style.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “boogie”
- Using 'boogie' in formal writing.
- Using the 'mucus' sense in the UK where it's not understood.
- Spelling as 'bogie' (a railway truck or a nose mucus variant).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is strictly informal and often slang. It is not suitable for academic or professional writing.
'Boogie-woogie' is a specific, early 20th-century style of blues piano music characterized by a driving, repetitive bass pattern. 'Boogie' is the general, derived term for dancing or the music you dance to.
Yes, informally, especially in American English. 'Time to boogie' means 'time to go/leave.'
In American English, the word for mucus is more commonly spelled 'booger'. 'Boogie' is a less common variant. This meaning is very rare in British English and may cause confusion.
To dance energetically, often in an informal style to popular music.
Boogie: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbuːɡi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbʊɡi/ or /ˈbuːɡi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Let's boogie! (Let's go/start)”
- “Boogie on down.”
- “Time to boogie. (Time to leave)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BOOt (foot) and a knee (GEE!) moving to music – you BOOGIE with your foot and knee.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIVELY ACTIVITY IS DANCING (e.g., 'The stock market boogied upwards.')
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'boogie' LEAST likely to be used?