Bugged: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term 'bug', referring to a listening device, comes from the old word for insects, suggesting something hidden and troublesome.
• The phrase 'bugged' gained popularity in the 1950s due to espionage activities during the Cold War.
• Originally, 'bug' was used in computer science to describe a flaw or glitch, reflecting the idea of something small causing a problem.

Pop Culture

• The term is often associated with spy films and novels, like James Bond, where stealthy communication is common.
• In the TV show 'The Office', the word is humorously used when characters try to explain their overly secretive workplace.
• Various artists in music and film have alluded to themes of privacy invasion, making 'bugged' a relevant cultural reference.

Technology

• Modern technology has made bugging easier, with devices the size of a pin potentially recording conversations.
• Many smartphones have inherent vulnerabilities that can make them susceptible to being 'bugged' by sophisticated software.
• Security measures have evolved to counteract bugging, leading to the development of anti-bugging technologies.

Psychology

• Feeling 'bugged' often relates to anxiety about surveillance and trust, affecting interpersonal relationships.
• Paranoia can be a psychological response to the fear of being constantly watched or listened to.
• In therapy, discussing feelings of being 'bugged' can reveal underlying issues about control and privacy in one’s life.

History

• During the Cold War, both the United States and Soviet Union extensively bugged each other's embassies for intelligence.
• The Watergate scandal involved the bugging of the Democratic National Committee headquarters, leading to a major political crisis.
• Famous figures like Martin Luther King Jr. were bugged by the FBI, highlighting government overreach into personal lives.

At rank #29,778, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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