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Story: English language in New Zealand

Bugger – offensive no more

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In 1999 the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) received 120 complaints about the repeated use of the word 'bugger' in a television advertisement for Toyota Hilux utes. The word was seen as offensive by some because one of its meanings involves sexual activity, and because it is used as a swear word or curse. However, the ASA concluded that it was in common usage and unlikely to cause general offence.

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How to cite this page

Dianne Bardsley, English language in New Zealand – Characteristics of New Zealand English, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/video/40317/bugger-offensive-no-more (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Dianne Bardsley, published 3 December 2012.