n., v., & int. coarse sl. (except in sense 2 of n. and 3 of v.)
Usage:
Usually considered a taboo word.
--n.
1. a an unpleasant or awkward person or thing (the bugger won't fit). b a person of a specified kind (he's a miserable bugger; you clever bugger!).
2 a person who commits buggery.
--v.tr.
1. as an exclamation of annoyance (bugger the thing!).
2 (often foll. by up) Brit. a ruin; spoil (really buggered it up; no good, its buggered). b exhaust, tire out.
3 commit buggery with.
--int. expressing annoyance.
Phrases and idioms:
bugger about (or around) (often foll. by with)
1. mess about.
2 mislead; persecute. bugger-all nothing. bugger off (often in imper.) go away.
Etymology: ME f. MDu. f. OF bougre, orig. 'heretic' f. med.L Bulgarus Bulgarian (member of the Greek Church)