The word bugler has two main meanings, one official one, and another slang version. Lucky for you this article is going to cover both of them.
We’ll kick things off with the official meaning, how it originated, and its significance. Then we’ll follow that up with what it means as informal slang, including how the slang may have originated, and when and how to use the term. Let’s go.
The official meaning of the word bugler
What is a bugle?
According to both the Oxford English Dictionary and the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a bugle is a musical instrument. It is a brass instrument and to play it you hold it horizontally at mouth level, place the mouthpiece on your lips, breathe deeply, and blow with steady, continuous air, using your lip muscles and air speed to change notes. Someone who plays the bugle is called a bugler.
In ancient times, people used animal horns as bugles as a means to send signals, but brass bugles weren’t invented until the mid-18th century. Keyed bugles were invented in the early 19th century.
Incidentally, there also happens to be a snack called Bugles. They are cone-shaped, crispy corn chips and are available all over the world.
Significance of bugling in military
In the military, a bugler is responsible for playing a bugle for signaling and relaying orders, such as for assembly, advance, or retreat, to mark routines, to rally the troops, and for ceremonial duties such as parades and state occasions.
Bugler meaning in slang
In slang, the word “bugler” is used to refer to male homosexuals. The slang word “bugler” in this sense, was first entered into the online Urban Dictionary in the year 2003. Here, it is defined less formally, and is instead defined as a man who likes sucking d**k/c**k.
It is likely that this slang word is derived from the imagery of a man having a d**k/c**k in their mouth. Possibly with their lips both open and puckered on another man’s instrument.
How and when to use the word bugler as slang
In its slang sense, the word “bugler” is a euphemism. Or in other words, it’s a word used to refer to adult topics when in polite company or around children. However, this meaning of the phrase is not particularly well known, so you may have to use your best judgement as to when to use it. If you want to use the word in this sense, you might want to take into account whether the word may be misconstrued. Or if you do use the word and are met with confusion, then you could simply use the word “homosexual” instead.
Final word
So, while the word “bugler” usually means someone who plays a brass instrument called a bugle, there is also a slang meaning of the term, which means d**k/c**k sucker. This version of the word is used as an euphemism to describe a male homosexual.
