Monday 21 January 2008

Phrase of the Day 179: 'to badger'

"to badger someone"


definition: to annoy a person incessantly/repetitively.

example: 'I wish James would stop badgering me; I told him I would copy that CD for him when I have the chance'

origin: This comes from the cruel "sport" of badger baiting. The unfortunate animal was placed in an upturned barrel and dogs were then released to drag it out. When the animals emerged the badger was separated from the hounds and then put back into the barrel to start all over again until the inevitable occurred.

No comments: