Bugger
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- For other uses, see Bugger (disambiguation).
"Bugger" is an expletive used in vernacular British English, Australian English, and New Zealand English. When used in context it still retains its original meaning, implying sodomy; however it is now more generally used to imply dissatisfaction (bugger, I've missed the bus) or used to describe someone whose behaviour is in some way displeasing (the bugger has given me the wrong change). The phrase bugger off means to run away, and when used as a command it means "go away" or "leave me alone". The word can also used amongst friends in an affectionate way (you old bugger) and is also used as a noun in Welsh English vernacular to imply that one is very fond of something (I'm a bugger for welshcakes). The character Unlucky Alf from The Fast Show always said "Awwww bugger" whenever something went wrong.
The term "Bugger all" means "Nothing".
As with most other expletives its continued use has reduced its shock value and offensiveness, to the extent the Toyota car company in Australia and New Zealand ran a popular series of advertisements where "Bugger!" was the only spoken word. The term is generally not used in the United States, but it is recognised, although inoffensive there.
The word is derived from the French word "Boulgre", derived from "Bulgarian" (meaning the Bogomils of Bulgaria), who Catholic propaganda said were practicing 'buggery'.
In Victorian & Edwardian England, bugger was often used as an identity label; for example, "a bugger", meaning an active homosexual.