1 C1 idiomatic informal
(Australian/NZ informal) To start eating with obvious enthusiasm and appetite.
"The barbecue was finally ready, and everyone bogged in without waiting to be asked."
inseparable
bog in
C1 informal inseparable intransitive
To start eating or working with great energy and enthusiasm.
In plain English
To start doing something — especially eating or a job — with lots of energy.
What does "bog in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
(Australian/NZ informal) To start working on a task with great energy.
"We bogged in and had the whole shed painted by noon."
inseparable
Usage tip
Australian and New Zealand slang. Rarely heard outside those regions. Used to encourage someone to start eating ('bog in!') or to describe someone attacking a task with vigour. Very casual in tone.
Words that pair with "bog in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
food meal work task job project
How to conjugate "bog in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bog in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bogs in
he/she/it
Past simple
boged in
yesterday
Past participle
boged in
have + pp
-ing form
boging in
continuous
Hear "bog in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "bog in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "bog in"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
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