Phrasal verb
bugger off
Definition
phrasal verb. a rude way to tell someone to go away or to leave a place. You use this when you are angry and want someone to leave you alone immediately.
phrasal verb. An intransitive phrasal verb used as a dismissive imperative to command someone to depart. It is characteristic of British English and carries a rude, mildly vulgar tone.
Examples
“I told the annoying guy to bugger off.”
“As soon as the work day ended, he buggered off to the pub without saying goodbye to anyone.”
“The protagonist's weary dismissal—a blunt 'bugger off'—encapsulated the growing resentment he felt toward the intrusive authorities monitoring his every move.”
Examples
simple
“I told the annoying guy to bugger off.”
contextual
“As soon as the work day ended, he buggered off to the pub without saying goodbye to anyone.”
complex
“The protagonist's weary dismissal—a blunt 'bugger off'—encapsulated the growing resentment he felt toward the intrusive authorities monitoring his every move.”
Usage
This is a rude expression used almost exclusively in British English.
Teaching tip
Teach this alongside 'go away' and 'get lost' to help students understand the spectrum of politeness and regional slang.
Pitfall
He buggered off the room.
He buggered off.
The verb is intransitive and cannot take a direct object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
off
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
bugger + off
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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