double bogey
C2Informal, specialized (golf)
Definition
Meaning
In golf, a score of two strokes over par on a single hole.
Used metaphorically to indicate performing significantly worse than expected or required in any competitive or performance-based context.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term originates from and is overwhelmingly used in golf. Its metaphorical use is understood by analogy, primarily by those familiar with golf terminology. It is part of a sequence: bogey (one over par), double bogey, triple bogey, etc.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. The sport's terminology is largely consistent globally.
Connotations
Equally negative in both varieties within the sporting context.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK/Irish English due to golf's historical popularity, but common in AmE where golf is played.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + double-bogeyed + [hole number/description][Score/Result] + was + a double bogeyVocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Metaphorically, 'The project was a double bogey, coming in way over budget and behind schedule.'
Academic
Rare. Potentially in sports science or statistical analysis of performance.
Everyday
Primarily when discussing golf. 'My round was ruined by a double bogey on the 18th.'
Technical
Core usage is in golf commentary, scoring, and statistics.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He double-bogeyed the par-three fifth hole.
- I'm trying not to double bogey any holes this round.
American English
- She double-bogeyed the final hole to lose the lead.
- Double-bogeying two holes in a row is demoralizing.
adjective
British English
- A double-bogey finish was disappointing.
- He had a double-bogey six on the card.
American English
- That double-bogey putt was crucial.
- She recovered from a double-bogey start.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He got a double bogey on the last hole.
- What's worse than a bogey? A double bogey.
- A single double bogey in the final round cost her the tournament.
- After hitting into the water, he was lucky to escape with just a double bogey.
- Her strategic play on the difficult back nine was designed to avoid any double-bogey disasters.
- Analysts noted that his rate of double bogeys per round had decreased significantly since improving his short game.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'bogey' as a golf ghost haunting your scorecard. A 'double' bogey means the ghost hit you twice on the same hole.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPORT IS WAR / PERFORMANCE IS A JOURNEY. A double bogey is a significant setback (lost battle) on the journey to a good total score.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating "double" and "bogey" separately. It is a fixed golf term, not related to the words 'double' or the spy 'Bogey'. The equivalent concept in Russian is typically described as "два удара сверх пара" or the borrowed term "дабл-боги".
Common Mistakes
- Using 'double bogey' to mean a general mistake outside of a scoring/performance context (e.g., 'I made a double bogey on my maths test' is non-idiomatic).
- Confusing it with 'double eagle' (which is three under par).
Practice
Quiz
In golf, what is a 'double bogey'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes. Its core and almost exclusive meaning is in golf. Metaphorical use in other contexts (e.g., business) is possible but rare and relies on the listener understanding the golf reference.
A triple bogey (three over par), then a quadruple bogey (four over par), and so on.
Yes, in golfing contexts. For example, 'He double-bogeyed the hole' is perfectly standard.
It derives from late 19th century British slang. 'Bogey' was originally a term for a phantom or goblin. In golf, it was adopted to mean the 'ground score' or ideal score for a good golfer, which was a phantom opponent. Later, in the US, 'par' became the standard ideal, and 'bogey' shifted to mean one stroke over par.