Bollix: meaning, definitions and examples
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bollix
[ ˈbɑː.lɪks ]
mess up
To 'bollix' means to make a mess of something or to botch it. This usage often implies that the task was not just poorly done, but done in a way that could lead to further complications. It is often used in informal contexts to describe errors in execution, whether in a work setting or a more personal endeavor. People might use this term when they feel frustrated about the outcome of a project or plan.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- I really bollixed up the presentation.
- Don't bollix the instructions; follow them carefully.
- He bollixed his chance at a promotion.
- The team bollixed the entire project timeline.
a mess
As a noun, 'bollix' refers to a situation that is rife with confusion or disorder. It describes a scenario that has gone awry, typically resulting from mismanagement or error. This term can be used in various contexts, from casual conversations to more serious discussions about failures in operations or plans.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The whole event turned into a bollix.
- Her plan was a complete bollix.
- The project was such a bollix that we had to start over.
Translations
Translations of the word "bollix" in other languages:
🇵🇹 bagunça
🇮🇳 गड़बड़
🇩🇪 Chaos
🇮🇩 kekacauan
🇺🇦 безлад
🇵🇱 bałagan
🇯🇵 混乱
🇫🇷 désordre
🇪🇸 desorden
🇹🇷 dağınıklık
🇰🇷 혼란
🇸🇦 فوضى
🇨🇿 nepořádek
🇸🇰 neporiadok
🇨🇳 混乱
🇸🇮 nered
🇮🇸 óreiða
🇰🇿 бұзылыс
🇬🇪 ქაოსი
🇦🇿 qarışıqlıq
🇲🇽 desorden
Etymology
The word 'bollix' is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, possibly derived from the Irish term 'bóilean' which translates to 'to mess up.' It is primarily used in American slang with its roots tracing back to informal contexts in English-speaking communities. Over time, this term has evolved to embody a broader sense of error or confusion, often associated with incompetence in handling tasks or projects. The playful nature of the word has lent itself well to colloquial speech, emphasizing a sense of frustration with mishaps in both personal and professional spheres. The flexibility of the term makes it applicable in various situations, contributing to its longevity in modern vernacular.