Bugger up Meaning in English
expression
ˈbəɡɝ/ /ˈəp
BUH-ger UP
bˈʌɡɐ/ /ˈʌp
BUG-uh UP
Definition
To mess something up, ruin it, or do it very badly, often by accident. It's an informal and mildly rude British expression.
Usage & Nuances
Very British and informal, somewhat rude but less offensive than strong swear words. Used mostly to describe accidents, mistakes, or when something goes badly wrong. Not common in American English; consider 'mess up' or 'screw up' as alternatives.
Spanish: estropear - arruinar - echar a perderPortuguese (BR): estragar - ferrar - bagunçarPortuguese (PT): estragar - lixar - dar cabo deChinese (Simplified): 搞砸 - 弄坏Chinese (Traditional): 搞砸 - 弄壞Hindi: गड़बड़ कर देना - खराब करनाArabic: أفسد - أخلط الأمورBengali: গুবলেট করা - বিশ্রীভাবে নষ্ট করাRussian: испортить - напортачитьJapanese: めちゃくちゃにする - 台無しにするVietnamese: làm hỏng - làm rối tungKorean: 망치다 - 엉망으로 하다Turkish: berbat etmek - mahvetmekUrdu: گڑبڑ کرنا - بگاڑ دیناIndonesian: mengacaukan - merusak
Example Sentences
I really buggered up my exam.
basic
Don’t bugger up the kitchen while you cook.
basic
He buggered up the order and we got the wrong food.
basic
Sorry, I completely buggered up your computer trying to fix it.
natural
If you bugger up again, the boss will be furious.
natural
The last update really buggered up my phone.
natural