Search results
Dec 20, 2023 · Summary. ‘Busted’ is a slang term that describes being caught or exposed in a negative or illegal situation. Its origins can be traced back to the 19th century, and its usage has grown in popular culture over time. Whether it’s used in legal, relationship, or truth-revealing contexts, ‘busted’ adds a flavorful touch to our everyday ...
Dec 20, 2023 · Origin of “Busted” The term “busted” has a rich history in American English. Originally derived from the 19th-century dialect term “bust,” which meant to “break” or “burst,” it gradually took on new meanings as it spread through different communities.
Dec 10, 2011 · Merriam-Webster’s is the most lenient, accepting nearly all the modern meanings of “bust,” even “to bust one’s chops” (give someone a hard time) and to “bust one’s butt” (to work hard or exhaust oneself). M-W regards only one sense of “bust” as slang: to arrest. American Heritage regards “bust” as informal when it ...
Sep 28, 2017 · The meaning "go bankrupt" is from 1834. The meaning "break (into)" is from 1859. The slang meaning "demote" (especially in a military sense) is from 1918; that of "place under arrest" is from 1953 (earlier "to raid" from Prohibition). In card games, "to go over a score of 21," from 1939. Related: Busted; busting.
Dec 20, 2023 · Origins of the term ‘busted’ The exact origins of the term ‘busted’ are unclear, as is the case with many slang terms. However, it is believed to have emerged in the early 20th century, primarily within American English. The term likely originated from the colloquial usage of ‘bust,’ which means to break or smash something.
Later the word came to mean any arrest or criminal charge. This usage probably derives from burst meaning a burglary, which it dates from 1834. I can recall Philip K. Dick using the word burst as a typically Dickian substitution for bust in one of his novels (sadly I forget which one), which would have required commendable self-discipline in the days before word processors.
“Busted” is typically used to mean “caught doing something bad” If you’d like to hear it in context, there’s a catchy song called “Busted” from the cartoon show Phineas and Ferb :) EDIT: Depending on context, busted can also mean “broken” (example — a busted machine is a broken machine)
People also ask
Where did the term 'Busted' come from?
What does Busted mean in slang?
Where did the word bust come from?
What does it mean if a politician gets busted?
What does bust mean?
What does 'Busted' mean on 'MythBusters'?