it buggers them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it buggers them" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal and may be considered vulgar in some contexts.
You can use it to express that something causes annoyance or frustration to a group of people, often in a humorous or exaggerated manner. Example: "The constant delays in the project really buggers them, and they are starting to lose patience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It buggers them up.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Once you put the new battery in it buggers up the radio.

Independent

The driver says it buggers up your knees on the way back down.

Huffington Post

Did it bugger.

Independent

Looked a treat but it buggered Colin.

The Guardian

Rupert No Mates secretly vanished away or, as Piers put it, buggered off.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Saving the world is all very well, but it completely buggers up your skincare regime.

The Guardian - Film

A mate gave me a cigarette, it took the craving away, and that was it – bugger.

The Guardian - Music

The Administration should tell them, as the Brits would put it, to "bugger off".

Forbes

I tell it to bugger off, obviously.

The Guardian - Sport

"We would be buggered without them, these are people who fill serious workforce shortages," McPhee said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it buggers them", be mindful of your audience and the context. Opt for this phrase in informal settings where its potentially offensive nature won't be an issue. In formal or professional contexts, choose a less controversial alternative like "it complicates matters for them".

Common error

A common mistake is using "it buggers them" in situations where it is inappropriate due to its informal and potentially offensive nature. Always consider your audience and the setting before opting for this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it buggers them" functions as a verbal expression indicating that something negatively affects or frustrates a group of people. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although it is informal and potentially vulgar.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it buggers them" is a grammatically sound but informal way to express that something is causing problems or annoyance to a group. As Ludwig AI indicates, while grammatically correct, it carries a risk of being perceived as vulgar. Given its informal register, it's best suited for casual contexts and should be avoided in professional or formal environments. Alternative phrases like "it complicates matters for them" or "it messes them up" can provide a similar meaning without the potential for offense. Ludwig's examples show its primary use in media reporting and commentary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it messes them up

Replaces "buggers" with a less offensive and more general term for causing problems.

it ruins things for them

Focuses on the negative outcome or consequence for the affected individuals.

it complicates matters for them

Highlights the added difficulty or complexity introduced by the situation.

it causes problems for them

A more direct and neutral way of expressing that something is creating difficulties.

it throws them into disarray

Suggests a stronger sense of disorder and confusion as a result of the issue.

it puts them at a disadvantage

Emphasizes the unfairness or reduced opportunities caused by the situation.

it undermines their efforts

Focuses on the idea of something weakening or sabotaging their progress.

it sabotages their plan

Indicates a deliberate or accidental act of ruining a plan.

it spoils things for them

Highlights the ruined experience.

it thwarts their plans

Implies active prevention of progress.

FAQs

What does "it buggers them" mean?

The phrase "it buggers them" means something is causing significant problems, annoyance, or frustration for a group of people. It's a rather informal and can be considered vulgar in some contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "it buggers them"?

The phrase is appropriate in informal settings with people who won't be offended by the potentially vulgar language. Avoid using it in professional, academic, or formal environments.

What can I say instead of "it buggers them"?

You can use alternatives like "it messes them up", "it complicates matters for them", or "it causes problems for them", depending on the context.

Is "it buggers them" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it buggers them" is grammatically correct, although its informal and potentially offensive nature makes it unsuitable for many formal situations. Ludwig AI confirms that.