bush league

¹

noun

, Baseball.

1. minor league.

bush-league

²

[ boosh-leeg ]

adjective

1. inferior or amateurish; mediocre:

   a bush-league theatrical performance.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bush league¹

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10

Origin of bush league²

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10

Example Sentences

He had scolded Householder’s team last week for unprofessional and “bush league” behavior, after attorneys made faces and clicked pens during the government’s open statement.

From Seattle Times

However, the rotating “personalities” in the TV broadcast booth is bush league.

From Los Angeles Times

While creative, his move drew the ire of plenty of current and former college and pro players who viewed the "gotcha" moment as bush league.

From Fox News

It was like going from the bush leagues to the majors.”

From New York Times

“It was like the bush league of independent leagues.”

From Washington Post