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Bushwhacker: meaning, definitions and examples

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bushwhacker

 

[ ˈbʌʃˌwækər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

slang term

Bushwhacker refers to a person who adopts guerrilla tactics or engages in irregular warfare, particularly in the context of the American Civil War. It can also colloquially denote someone who engages in ambushes or trickery in a broader sense.

Synonyms

ambusher, guerrilla, raider

Examples of usage

  • The bushwhackers hid in the forest, waiting for their targets.
  • During the Civil War, bushwhackers disrupted supply lines.
  • He was known as a bushwhacker, using surprise to catch opponents off guard.

Translations

Translations of the word "bushwhacker" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mato

🇮🇳 बुशवाकर

🇩🇪 Buschwacker

🇮🇩 penyerang hutan

🇺🇦 лісовик

🇵🇱 napastnik leśny

🇯🇵 ブッシュワッカー

🇫🇷 bushwhacker

🇪🇸 bandido del bosque

🇹🇷 orman saldırganı

🇰🇷 부시워커

🇸🇦 مهاجم الغابة

🇨🇿 lesní útočník

🇸🇰 lesný útočník

🇨🇳 丛林劫匪

🇸🇮 napadalec iz gozda

🇮🇸 skógarsvín

🇰🇿 орман шабуылы

🇬🇪 ტყის თავდამსხმელი

🇦🇿 meşə basqınçısı

🇲🇽 bandido del bosque

Etymology

The term 'bushwhacker' originated in the 19th century United States, particularly during the American Civil War (1861-1865). It is a compound word derived from 'bush,' referring to 'a thicket or shrub,' and 'whacker,' a colloquial term meaning someone who strikes or attacks. Bushwhackers were often associated with irregular military tactics, utilizing the terrain's natural coverage to engage enemy forces unexpectedly. The term has since evolved and is used in various contexts, extending beyond its military origins to describe anyone employing guerrilla tactics or ambush strategies. It captures the essence of stealth, cunning, and a tendency to operate outside conventional norms.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,966, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.