Pronunciation: [bˈɒd͡ʒə] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "bodger" may seem confusing at first glance, but it can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The word is pronounced /ˈbɒdʒə/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "o" in the first syllable is pronounced as in "hot," and the "e" in the second syllable is pronounced as in "her." The "g" is pronounced as a soft "j" sound, as in "jump." Overall, "bodger" is pronounced as "BAH-jer."
A "bodger" is a term that originated in British English and gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This word typically refers to an individual who engages in shoddy or low-quality work, particularly within woodworking or general craftsmanship.
Specifically, a bodger is often characterized as someone who produces inferior or substandard items, often with little care for detail or precision. This individual is commonly associated with the hasty completion of tasks, neglecting quality control and resorting to shortcuts to meet deadlines. Consequently, the resulting products or workmanship tend to be unreliable and of poor quality.
The term "bodger" can also be applied to someone who lacks skill or expertise in a particular field, and thus produces subpar outcomes. Moreover, it can describe a person who intentionally deceives or defrauds others, presenting oneself as competent and accomplished when, in reality, they possess limited knowledge or ability.
Overall, the word "bodger" carries a negative connotation, denoting incompetence, unreliability, and the production of shabby or inferior work. It has become a colloquial term used to criticize individuals who fail to meet satisfactory standards of craftsmanship or conduct.
The word "bodger" has an interesting etymology. It originates from the term "bodge", which emerged in the late 18th century in Britain. "Bodge" referred to a temporary or makeshift repair, particularly one done poorly or hastily. It is thought to have derived from the earlier word "botch", meaning to mend in a clumsy or unsatisfactory way.
Over time, "bodger" came to be associated with a specific trade. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, bodgers were itinerant chairmakers who worked in the woodlands of Buckinghamshire and other parts of England. They would set up temporary workshops in the woods, using greenwood (freshly cut wood) to make chair components.
These bodgers were known for their speedy and often efficient chairmaking, using traditional hand tools and techniques.
