god-botherer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, colloquial, pejorative
Quick answer
What does “god-botherer” mean?
A person who is regarded as annoyingly or excessively pious, someone who talks frequently and fervently about religion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is regarded as annoyingly or excessively pious, someone who talks frequently and fervently about religion.
A derogatory, informal term for a religious enthusiast, especially one who is seen as intrusive in trying to persuade others of their beliefs. It can also be used more broadly for someone who moralizes excessively or imposes their views.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is predominantly British English and Commonwealth usage (e.g., Australian). It is understood but far less common in American English, where terms like "Bible-thumper" or "Holy Roller" are more frequent equivalents.
Connotations
In British English, it often carries a specific class-related nuance, sometimes implying a certain type of middle-class, earnest Christian. In American English, if used, it may sound more consciously British or literary and can lack the specific cultural resonance.
Frequency
High frequency in informal UK speech/media; low frequency in US English.
Grammar
How to Use “god-botherer” in a Sentence
He was dismissed as a [god-botherer].She avoided the [god-botherers] at the door.The article criticised the [god-bothering] tendency in politics.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “god-botherer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He spent the afternoon god-bothering the new neighbours.
American English
- She accused the campaigners of god-bothering.
adverb
British English
- He spoke god-botheringly about salvation.
American English
- They proselytized god-botheringly on campus.
adjective
British English
- He had a rather god-bothering manner about him.
American English
- The film portrayed a god-bothering family in a satirical light.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly unlikely; would be unprofessional.
Academic
Rare; considered informal and value-laden. Might appear in sociological or cultural studies discourse as a cited term.
Everyday
Common in informal British conversation to express irritation with overt religiosity.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “god-botherer”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “god-botherer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “god-botherer”
- Using it in formal contexts. Using it to describe someone who is simply quietly religious. Confusing it with a respectful term for a priest or cleric.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, almost without exception. It is a pejorative term expressing annoyance or disdain. It is not used as a self-description or a neutral label.
A 'priest' is a formal, official religious title. A 'god-botherer' is an informal, derogatory term for anyone (layperson or clergy) whose overt religiosity is seen as intrusive or annoying. It describes behavior, not office.
While it originated in a Christian context and is most commonly used for Christians, it can be applied derogatorily to excessively fervent followers of any religion, depending on the cultural context of the speaker.
Yes. Terms like 'devout person', 'religious enthusiast', or 'faithful adherent' are neutral. 'Zealot' or 'fanatic' are also negative but less colloquial and specifically British than 'god-botherer'.
A person who is regarded as annoyingly or excessively pious, someone who talks frequently and fervently about religion.
God-botherer is usually informal, colloquial, pejorative in register.
God-botherer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɒd ˌbɒð.ər.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɑːd ˌbɑː.ðɚ.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be accused of god-bothering”
- “To go god-bothering (i.e., to proselytize)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of someone who constantly 'bothers' God with prayers, or more likely, 'bothers' everyone else by talking about God.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGIOUS FERVOR IS A NUISANCE / ANNOYANCE IS A PHYSICAL PESTERER (The person 'bothers' like a fly or a persistent salesperson).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'god-botherer' be LEAST appropriate?