bugger up

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To break or spoil something, or make it inoperative, useless etc.

Register: informal

Examples

I've buggered up the sudoku somehow and can't finish it.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To injure or harm (someone).

Register: informal

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “bugger up” mean?

To break or spoil something, or make it inoperative, useless etc.

Is “bugger up” formal or informal?

bugger up is generally informal.