12 Everyday Words You Use That Are Actually Racist
8. Bugger
Did you know that when you call someone a "bugger", you're not only accusing them of committing sodomy, but most specifically you're referring to them as a "Bulgarian homosexual"... Originally used in the Netherlands and central Europe to refer to Bulgarians, it became a term which could then be applied to all members of the East Orthodox Church. As it was used to refer to so-called "heretics", naturally over time sodomy also became part of the connotation - which is what the term is associated with now. Thankfully homophobia is on the wane nowadays - but make sure you stop using that word too!
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
Did you know that when you call someone a "bugger", you're not only accusing them of committing sodomy, but most specifically you're referring to them as a "Bulgarian homosexual"... Originally used in the Netherlands and central Europe to refer to Bulgarians, it became a term which could then be applied to all members of the East Orthodox Church. As it was used to refer to so-called "heretics", naturally over time sodomy also became part of the connotation - which is what the term is associated with now. Thankfully homophobia is on the wane nowadays - but make sure you stop using that word too!