bugger off: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumVery informal, vulgar, taboo (strongly offensive to some).
Quick answer
What does “bugger off” mean?
An impolite or rude way to tell someone to go away or leave.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An impolite or rude way to tell someone to go away or leave.
Can express annoyance, dismissal, or a forceful request to cease bothering someone. Used as an imperative (command).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily British and Commonwealth English (e.g., Australia, New Zealand). In American English, the term 'bugger' is less common as a general expletive, though the phrase is understood.
Connotations
In the UK, it carries a strong but somewhat familiar/less shocking taboo than in the US, where it may sound more archaic or specifically religiously offensive.
Frequency
Much more frequent in UK and Australian informal speech. Rare in US speech, where 'get lost', 'scram', or stronger alternatives are preferred.
Grammar
How to Use “bugger off” in a Sentence
Imperative: Bugger off!Past tense: He buggered off.Infinitive: I told him to bugger off.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bugger off” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I wish that salesman would just bugger off.
- He buggered off before the washing-up.
American English
- He told the annoying kid to bugger off, surprising everyone with the Britishism.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used. Would be considered highly unprofessional and offensive.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Only in very informal, often confrontational situations among close friends or in arguments. Risk of causing serious offense.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bugger off”
- Using it in polite company.
- Using it as a non-offensive joke with strangers.
- Incorrect conjugation: 'buggering off' (less common as imperative).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very. It is a taboo phrase based on a vulgar term. It should be avoided in polite conversation, with strangers, or in any professional setting.
Only with friends who are very familiar with you and your sense of humour, and who would not be offended by strong language. There is always a risk of misunderstanding.
They are very similar in meaning and offensiveness. 'Sod off' is also primarily British. Some might perceive 'bugger off' as slightly stronger due to its specific etymological origin.
Yes. 'He buggered off' means he left, often abruptly or annoyingly. E.g., 'He buggered off without paying the bill.'
An impolite or rude way to tell someone to go away or leave.
Bugger off is usually very informal, vulgar, taboo (strongly offensive to some). in register.
Bugger off: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbʌɡ.ər ˈɒf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbʌɡ.ɚ ˈɑːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bugger off out of it”
- “bugger off and play trains (dismissive)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an annoying BUG (bugger) you want to shoo OFF your picnic blanket.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISMISSAL IS FORCED DEPARTURE / ANNOYANCE IS A PEST (BUG).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'bugger off' be LEAST appropriate?