Bunged Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bunged

[bʌŋd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

slang usage

To 'bung' something means to throw or push it into a space haphazardly. It is often used in a casual context to imply that something was done without much care or finesse. When something is described as 'bunged,' it suggests that it is blocked or clogged. This usage is common in British English and can refer to anything from plumbing issues to being overly stuffed with items.

Synonyms

clogged, packed, stuffed, thrown.

Examples of usage

  • I bunged my clothes into the suitcase.
  • The drain is bunged up with leaves.
  • He bunged a few more books into the box.
  • The car's exhaust was bunged with debris.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In certain regions, the term is informally used to describe a situation or object that is jammed or malfunctioning, particularly in comedic contexts.
  • The phrase 'bunged up' features in various TV shows and films to describe humorous misunderstandings or mechanical failures.
  • In British slang, 'bunged up' often refers to having a stuffy nose, particularly when you have a cold.

Science

  • In medical terms, 'bunged' can refer to blocked airways, illustrating a condition where proper function is impeded.
  • In plumbing, if a pipe is bunged, it means that it is clogged, leading to potential water damage.
  • The concept of bungs applies in various mechanical fields where blockages impede the flow of fluids or gases.

Psychology

  • Feeling 'bunged' can symbolize mental blocks, where thoughts become trapped, preventing clear thinking.
  • In therapy, recognizing when one feels 'bunged up' can lead to discussions around communication barriers or emotional blockages.
  • The term can also reflect frustration, indicating feelings of being overwhelmed or stuck in life.

Literature

  • Writers may use 'bunged' to evoke imagery of chaos or disruption in storytelling, symbolizing obstacles characters face.
  • In poetry, being 'bunged' can serve as a metaphor for emotional states, illustrating the struggle to express oneself.
  • This word occasionally appears in prose to add a rustic or colloquial tone, enhancing character dialogue.

Origin of 'bunged'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'bung' originally referred to a stopper used in barrels, indicating something that closes or blocks.
  • Its usage in ‘bunged’ began in the 19th century, reflecting the action of stopping up something.
  • The word may have roots in French 'bunguer,' which means 'to stop or block.'

The term 'bung' originates from the late 19th century and is thought toderive from the dialectal variant of 'bung,' which in a general sense means 'to close or stop up' (especially with a plug). The phrase has since evolved in usage to also imply a careless manner of handling objects. Slang expressions often derive their meanings from specific regional dialects or cultural contexts, and in this instance, it may relate to the British working class's informal way of speaking about everyday activities. Over time, 'bung' has been used in various forms, including as a noun as well as a verb, extending its applications within casual conversation. The word also finds roots in the action of bunging up barrels when storing liquid, hence the association with clogging or blocking, giving it versatility in modern English vernacular.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,564, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.