buggy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal (computing sense). Neutral (baby carriage sense).
Quick answer
What does “buggy” mean?
A small, lightweight carriage or stroller for a baby or young child, typically with four wheels.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, lightweight carriage or stroller for a baby or young child, typically with four wheels.
1. (Computing) Full of bugs; malfunctioning or flawed due to errors in software or hardware. 2. (Informal) Infested with insects. 3. (Historical) A light, horse-drawn carriage for one or two people. 4. (Golf) A small motorized vehicle for golfers.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'buggy' primarily means a baby stroller. In the US, it can mean a baby stroller, a shopping cart, a golf cart, or a light carriage (as in a 'beach buggy'). The 'baby carriage' meaning is understood but less uniquely dominant in the US.
Connotations
UK: Strongly associated with parenting. US: More varied associations (parenting, golf, leisure vehicles, software).
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English for the baby-related meaning. The computing sense is equally frequent in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “buggy” in a Sentence
The [software] is buggy.She pushed the [buggy] through the park.They went for a ride in a [horse-drawn buggy].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “buggy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Rare as verb)
American English
- (Rare as verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not standard)
American English
- (Not standard)
adjective
British English
- The new update is terribly buggy.
- We avoided the buggy software.
American English
- This phone's OS has been buggy for months.
- The beta version is still buggy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in tech: 'The launch was delayed due to buggy code.'
Academic
Rare. Possibly in historical studies (transport) or computer science.
Everyday
Common: 'Can you fold the buggy and put it in the boot?' (UK) / 'This app is so buggy.'
Technical
Common in computing/software engineering: 'The legacy system remains buggy and insecure.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “buggy”
- Spelling: 'buggy' vs. 'buggie'. 'Buggy' is correct.
- Using 'buggy' to mean 'baggy' (loose-fitting clothing).
- Overusing the computing sense when referring to a baby carriage in a UK context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is generally informal or neutral. In formal computing reports, terms like 'defective', 'faulty', or 'error-prone' might be preferred.
In UK English, a 'pram' (perambulator) is typically for newborns who lie flat. A 'buggy' or 'pushchair' is for older babies and toddlers who can sit up. The terms are often used interchangeably now.
Extremely rarely. The verb 'to bug' exists (to annoy or install a listening device), but 'to buggy' is not standard.
They are separate etymologies. The carriage sense may come from 'bug' (a hobgoblin or ghost) or refer to something small. The computing sense derives directly from 'bug' meaning a software fault.
A small, lightweight carriage or stroller for a baby or young child, typically with four wheels.
Buggy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbʌɡ.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbəɡ.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) crazy as a buggy driver (archaic)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a baby BUG crawling in a stroller → BUGGY. Or, a software BUG making your computer feel unstable and wobbly like an old carriage → BUGGY.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOFTWARE IS A VEHICLE (A buggy program is an unstable, unreliable vehicle for your tasks).
Practice
Quiz
In a UK parenting context, what is a 'buggy' most likely to be?