A bother
Meaning
Something that causes annoyance, trouble, or inconvenience.
Origin
The word "bother" itself emerged into English in the early 18th century, likely from Anglo-Irish roots, possibly from the Irish word "bodhar," meaning 'deaf' or 'confused,' or perhaps from the Welsh "byddar." It first described the act of annoying someone with noise—to 'deafen' them with clamor or persistent pestering. Over time, its meaning broadened beyond just sound, encompassing any kind of irritation, trouble, or inconvenience. The simple, declarative phrase "a bother" naturally followed, solidifying its place in everyday language as a direct, unadorned way to label anything that causes a little bit of trouble or annoyance, shedding its noisy origins for a more general sense of minor vexation.
Examples
- Having to drive all the way across town just for one signature was a real bother.
- Please don't go out of your way; it's no bother at all to wait.