Meaning & Definition of word "Badger"
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Badger
/ˈbædʒər/
noun:
- 1. A burrowing mammal of the family Mustelidae, typically having a stout body, short legs, and long claws.
- Example: The badger rummaged through the underbrush in search of food.
- 2. A person who persistently annoys others or makes repeated demands.
- Example: He's such a badger about wanting to go to the movies every weekend.
verb:
- 1. To repeatedly ask someone to do something; to pester or harass.
- Example: She badgered her parents until they finally agreed to let her stay out late.
- 2. To annoy or irritate persistently.
- Example: Don't badger me with your constant questions during the meeting.
Etymology
Middle English 'badger', possibly from the dialectal term for a peddler.
Common Phrases and Expressions
badger someone:
To persistently annoy or question someone until they yield.
badgering them for answers:
Continuously asking for answers in an annoying manner.
Related Words
pester:
To annoy persistently with requests or interruptions.
nag:
To annoy someone by constantly reminding them to do something.
hassle:
To cause someone inconvenience or difficulty.
Slang Meanings of badger
Meaning: To complain excessively about something.
Example Sentence: Stop badgering about the wifi; it's not that serious.
Meaning: To insist on something annoyingly.
Example Sentence: He's always badgering about getting more vacation days.