bollix

English

Etymology

Alteration of bollocks.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈbɒlɪks/, /ˈbɒləks/

Verb

bollix (third-person singular simple present bollixes, present participle bollixing, simple past and past participle bollixed)

1. (transitive) To confuse.
2. (transitive) To botch or bungle.

Derived terms

• bollix up

 

Translations

confuse — see confuse

Noun

bollix (plural bollixes)

1. Confusion.
2. Mess.
3. (Ireland, derogatory) A fool; a jerk.
   • 1995, David A. Wilson, Ireland, a Bicycle and a Tin Whistle, McGill-Queen's Press, →ISBN, page 69:

     He put his arm around me, eyes half-closed from alcohol, and smiled blearily: “You're a bollix.” And then, for emphasis: “You're a right fuckin’ bollix.” I'm not entirely sure, but I'd like to think that this was a friendly greeting; […]

   • 2000, Tim Bradford, Is Shane MacGowan Still Alive?: Travels in Irishry, HarperCollins, →ISBN, page 74:

     Just at this moment a mad, hard-faced pensioner in black zip-up flying jacket, flared jeans and trainers hovers into view, spitting expletives. He sees me watching him and shouts across the cobbled street ‘Ye bollix!’ […] I look up at him and say ‘Sorry?’

Further reading

• “bollix”, in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press, 2019–2022.