bogey
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈboʊɡi/
KK: /ˈboʊɡi/
noun
Definition
A term used to describe something that causes annoyance or fear, often referring to a mischievous spirit or a score in golf that is one stroke over par.
Example
He was worried about the bogey that kept haunting his dreams.
Conversation
I just finished playing a round of golf, but I got a bogey on the last hole.
Oh no, that’s a bummer! What happened?
I miscalculated my shot and ended up in the sand trap.
That can be really frustrating, but at least it was still a fun game!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
nuisance
spirit
phantom
Antonyms
blessing
angel
friend
transitive verb
Definition
To score one stroke over par on a hole in golf.
Example
He managed to bogey the 18th hole, finishing the round with a score of one over par.
Tense Forms
Past: bogeyed
Past Participle: bogeyed
Conversation
How did you do on the golf course yesterday?
I managed to bogey the last hole, which was disappointing.
That's not too bad, though; at least you finished strong!
Root Explanation
The word 'bogey' originates from the British slang term 'bogeyman', which refers to a mythical creature used to frighten children. The term 'bogey' itself has evolved to mean an imaginary or fictional figure that represents a source of fear or anxiety.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'bogeyman' as a creature that represents fear, helping you remember that 'bogey' refers to something that causes anxiety or fright.
Visually Confused Words
bogy
bodgery
biogeny
fogey
bouge
boney
bogue
bogle