Word of the Day: Bungle
What's the story
The word "bungle" is a verb that means to mess something up in a clumsy or careless way. When someone "bungles" a task, they don't just make a tiny mistake—they completely botch it, usually in an embarrassingly obvious way. It's like dropping a birthday cake right before serving it or misplacing an important document at the worst possible moment. Oops!
Origin
Origin of the word
"Bungle" likely comes from the 16th-century Scandinavian word bungla, meaning "to work clumsily." It has stuck around for centuries, perfectly describing those moments when things go hilariously (or disastrously) wrong.
Synonyms
Synonyms for 'bungle'
Some similar words include botch, blunder, mess up, ruin, and flub. For extra flair, you could use screw up, mishandle, or fumble—especially when the mistake is particularly spectacular. "Bungle" carries a certain comedic charm, making even big blunders sound a little less tragic.
Usage
Sentence usage
Here's how "bungle" can be used in a sentence: "He completely 'bungled' the surprise party by sending the invitation to the birthday girl!" "She 'bungled' the interview by calling the boss by the wrong name—twice."
Extra detail
Why use the word
"Bungle" is the go-to word for epic fails. It's perfect for those moments when a simple task turns into a disaster, usually in a way that makes people shake their heads (or laugh). Use it when describing a mistake that's both unfortunate and a little bit funny!