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bollix

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary

English

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Etymology

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Alteration of bollocks.

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ˈbɒlɪks/, /ˈbɒləks/

Verb

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bollix (third-person singular simple present bollixes, present participle bollixing, simple past and past participle bollixed)

  1. (transitive) To confuse.
  2. (transitive) To botch or bungle.

Derived terms

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Translations

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Noun

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bollix (plural bollixes)

  1. Confusion.
  2. Mess.
  3. (Ireland, derogatory) A fool; a jerk.
    • 1995, David A. Wilson, Ireland, a Bicycle and a Tin Whistle, McGill-Queen's Press, →ISBN, page 69:
      He put his arm around me, eyes half-closed from alcohol, and smiled blearily: “You're a bollix.” And then, for emphasis: “You're a right fuckin’ bollix.” I'm not entirely sure, but I'd like to think that this was a friendly greeting; []
    • 2000, Tim Bradford, Is Shane MacGowan Still Alive?: Travels in Irishry, HarperCollins, →ISBN, page 74:
      Just at this moment a mad, hard-faced pensioner in black zip-up flying jacket, flared jeans and trainers hovers into view, spitting expletives. He sees me watching him and shouts across the cobbled street ‘Ye bollix!’ [] I look up at him and say ‘Sorry?’

Further reading

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