PhrasesHub

Bog standard

    Definitions

      • average, ordinary
        To describe something as being completely standard or unexceptional, without any distinctive or remarkable features

      • basic, mediocre
        To express disappointment or dissatisfaction with something that is lacking in quality or substance, often used to describe a subpar product or service

      • plain, unadorned
        To refer to something as being very simple or basic, without any fancy or decorative elements, often used in a sarcastic or dismissive way

    Examples of Bog standard

    • The car that came with my house was a real bog standard Toyota Corolla. It had no fancy features, just basic features that were standard in most cars of that make and model.

      This idiom is used to describe something that is average, basic, or mediocre. In this case, the car was not luxurious or extraordinary in any way. It was just a regular Toyota Corolla that had all the necessary features but nothing out of the ordinary or exceptional.

    • His writing style was bog standard journalism with no creativity or originality. The articles he produced were identical to what many other journalists were writing about the same topic.

      This idiom is used to describe something that is formulaic, uninspired, or lacking innovation. In this case, the person's writing style lacked any unique elements and seemed to follow a generic formula for journalistic writing.

    • The apartment complex where I live is a bog standard construction with plain white walls and no interior design. It is functional but lacks any aesthetic appeal or character.

      This idiom is used to describe something that is utilitarian, functional, but lacks any artistic or design elements. In this example, the apartment complex is simply a place to live, but it lacks any personality or style.

    • Her fashion sense was bog standard, consisting of basic t-shirts, jeans, and sneakers. She wasn't particularly stylish or trendy, and her clothing choices were unexceptional.

      This idiom is used to describe something that is unremarkable, typical, or unexceptional. In this example, the person's fashion sense was average and lacked any unique or fashionable elements.In all of these examples, the idiom "bog standard" is used to describe various things as average, functional, or lacking any unique elements. It is a way to convey that the thing being described is not exceptional, but rather ordinary or typical.

    • This is a bog standard computer. I need something more powerful.

      This example shows the idiom "bog standard" being used to describe a computer that is nothing special. The computer may have all of the basic features, but it is not particularly impressive or high-performing. "Bog" is short for bog-standard, and refers to something that is average or basic. "Standard" refers to the expected, or typical, level of quality or performance. So, together, the term "bog standard" can mean that something is average in comparison to similar items.

    • The landscape around here is bog standard. I want to see something more exciting.

      In this example, the speaker is referring to an unremarkable or dull landscape. The term "bog standard" is being used to describe an average or typical environment. The speaker is suggesting that they want to see something more interesting or stimulating.

    • The classroom technology is bog standard. It's really holding back the students' learning.

      This example shows the idiom "bog standard" being used to criticize outdated or low-quality equipment. The speaker is suggesting that the technology available in the classroom is not meeting the needs of the students, and is hindering their education. The term "bog standard" is emphasizing that the equipment is nothing special, and may not be helping students learn in a meaningful way.

    • The company's marketing strategies are bog standard. They need to think outside the box.

      This example is showing that the company's marketing efforts are unremarkable or average. The speaker is suggesting that the company needs to come up with more creative or innovative marketing ideas in order to stand out in a crowded marketplace. "Bog standard" is emphasizing that the current marketing strategies are not particularly impressive or effective.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "bog standard" is commonly used to describe something as average, ordinary, or unexceptional. It can be used to refer to a wide range of things, from everyday objects to more abstract concepts like ideas or actions. In all cases, the intention is to convey a lack of uniqueness or specialness.

    When used in a positive sense, "bog standard" can simply mean something is standard or typical, without any negative connotations. For example, one might say "I'm just looking for a bog standard cup of coffee" to indicate they don't have any specific preferences or expectations for their drink.

    However, the idiom is more commonly used in a negative sense, to express disappointment or dissatisfaction with something that is lacking in quality or substance. For example, someone might say "the food at that restaurant was bog standard" to express their disappointment with the average or mediocre quality of the food.

    Lastly, "bog standard" can also be used in a sarcastic or dismissive way to refer to something as being very simple or basic. For instance, one might say "oh, just another bog standard day at the office" to indicate that their day was uneventful or unremarkable.

    Origin of "Bog standard"

    The origin of the idiom "bog standard" is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in British English in the mid-20th century. The word "bog" is a British slang term for a toilet, and "standard" refers to something that is normal or expected. Therefore, the idiom may have originally been used to describe something as being as basic and unremarkable as a toilet.

    Another theory is that "bog standard" comes from the world of automobiles. In the early 20th century, there was a popular car model called the Standard, which was known for being reliable but unexciting. The term "bog standard" may have been used to refer to any car that was similar to the Standard model in terms of its unremarkable features.

    Regardless of its exact origin, "bog standard" has become a common and versatile idiom in the English language, used to describe anything that is average, ordinary, or lacking in quality or uniqueness.