Go bung

Suggest a Correction

Meaning

To fail, collapse, become bankrupt or stop functioning; in older use, also to die. Informal and broad: context must show whether the subject failed financially, mechanically or physically. Do not confuse 'bung' with a separate offensive Australian slur. Regional use: Australian and New Zealand English.

Origin

Edward Morris's 1898 Austral English describes 'go bung' as extremely frequent in Australia after the land-boom collapse, especially of people or institutions becoming bankrupt. He distinguished English slang 'go smash' from an Australian Aboriginal-language word recorded with a death sense and suggested possible reinforcement, not a proven single derivation. Modern etymologies remain divided, so the origin should be left open.

Research Sources

  1. Austral English: Bung, to go Project Gutenberg edition of Edward E. Morris's 1898 dictionary
  2. Go bung Collins Dictionary

Variants

  • Gone bung

Usage Examples

  • The cooperative went bung when two seasons of wool sales failed.
  • A spare condenser kept the wireless from going bung in the storm.
  • By Monday the rumour said the bank had gone bung.

Keep Exploring

Browse all phrases