Bullyragger is spelled as /ˈbʊl.iˌræɡə(r)/. The word is derived from bullyrag, which means to intimidate or criticize harshly. The addition of -er at the end of the word denotes a person who engages in such behavior. The word's spelling follows the typical English pattern of consonant-vowel-consonant-vowel-consonant + -er suffix for nominalizing verbs. However, the unusual combination of "r" and "g" can be tricky to pronounce for some people.