Phrase guide

Buggins's turn

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A humorous, disparaging term for the appointment of a person by rotation or promotion, on the basis of length of service (it being that person's "turn") rather than merit or level of qualification.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: UK, idiomatic

Examples

  • He will be appointed on the principle of Buggins's turn.
  • 1919, Memories, John Fisher (reprinting a 1917 letter to him from an unnamed Privy Councillor) http://www.archive.org/stream/memoriesbyadmira00fishuoft#page/38/mode/2up I remembered your old saying "Some day the Empire will go down because it is Buggins's turn."'

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Earliest recorded use is by Admiral Fisher, later First Sea Lord, in a 1901 letter. 'Buggins' is a humorous invented surname, suggestive of a man of mediocre ability.