buggy

UK: ˈbʌɡi | US: ˈbʌɡi

Definition

  1. n. 1. a light, horse-drawn carriage with four wheels

  2. n. 2. a small motor vehicle, often with open sides (e.g., golf buggy)

  3. adj. 1. full of or infested with bugs (insects or technical glitches)

Structure
bug <insect/technical glitch>y <adjective suffix meaning "full of">
Etymology

The word "buggy" originated in the early 19th century as a noun referring to a lightweight carriage, likely derived from "bug" (a term for a small creature) + "-y" (denoting a vehicle). The adjective form emerged later, influenced by the literal sense of "infested with bugs" and later extended metaphorically to technical malfunctions ("software bugs"). The dual meanings reflect both its literal and figurative evolution.

Examples

  1. The farmer drove his buggy to the market.

  2. We rented a golf buggy to explore the course.

  3. The old software was too buggy to use reliably.

  4. The kitchen became buggy after leaving the food uncovered.

  5. Tourists enjoyed a scenic ride in a horse-drawn buggy.