botheration

American  

[both-uh-rey-shuhn] / ˌbɒð əˈreɪ ʃən /

interjection

1. (used as an exclamation indicating vexation or annoyance.)

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noun

1. the act or state of bothering or the state of being bothered.

botheration British  

/ ˌbɒðəˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. another word for bother bother

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Etymology

Origin of botheration

First recorded in 1790–1800; bother + -ation

Explanation

Botheration is a state of annoyance or worry. It can also be a source of worry or irritation. Lots of things in life are annoying, troubling, or worrisome: in other words, life is full of botheration. This folksy word can apply to anything that bugs you, like getting up early or stubbing your toe. When things are bothering you, you're in a state of botheration, which is like irritation or vexation. One form of botheration usually leads to the other: the more botherations (annoyances) in your life, the greater your botheration (state of annoyance).

Example Sentences

But he never wants to stop taking the mic, at the Comedy Store or across the country, and churning his botheration into laughs.

From Washington Post • Nov. 13, 2019

With his simplicity and shrewdness and "gesture of botheration," he is a unique and lovable literary creation.

From Time Magazine Archive

“Don’t ever do that to me again! That’s about all the botheration a body can stand for one day!”

From "Stella by Starlight" by Sharon M. Draper

"I suppose its botheration, for one thing," said Mrs. Brier.

From Clemence The Schoolmistress of Waveland by Babcock, Retta

"The biggest botheration as ever was, Ishmael, my lad!" answered Gray.

From Ishmael Or, In the Depths by Southworth, Emma Dorothy Eliza Nevitte