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

"Excuse me," said a very rosy-cheeked little prelate, "but nothing stronger than water—" "Botheration," thought Billy, as he regarded the speaker's nose.

From Charles O'Malley, The Irish Dragoon, Volume 1 by Lever, Charles James

But the following June, when the cook, wishing to make some ice-cream as a glad surprise for the Sunday dinner, opened the natural ice-chest, she found only a pool of muddy water, and exclaimed, "Botheration!"

From Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great - Volume 01 Little Journeys to the Homes of Good Men and Great by Hubbard, Elbert

Botheration take you, Walt," exclaimed Ralph, in comic petulance; "you're the original laddie with a bucket of cold water.

From The Border Boys Across the Frontier by Goldfrap, John Henry

Howe finally broke silence with the first of his articles in the Halifax Chronicle on 'The Botheration Scheme.'

From The Fathers of Confederation A Chronicle of the Birth of the Dominion by Colquhoun, A. H. U. (Arthur Hugh Urquhart)

Then, instead of saying "Rebeck me!" and "Ods Boddikins!" when his hawk bit his finger or something else put him out of humor, he would have exclaimed, "Oh, pshaw!" or, "Botheration!"

From Round-about Rambles in Lands of Fact and Fancy by Stockton, Frank Richard