Definition

Noun: 1. A hole in a barrel or cask; used to fill or empty it: A bunghole is a specifically drilled opening in a barrel, keg, or cask, typically sealed with a stopper called a bung. Its primary function is for filling the container with liquid and for tapping (draining) it. 2. Vulgar slang for anus: In coarse, informal slang, "bunghole" is used as a derogatory or humorous term for the human anus.

Usage Examples

• Literal meaning (hole in a barrel):
  • The cooper carefully drilled the bunghole before inserting the bung.
  • To sample the wine, the merchant removed the bung from the bunghole.
• Slang meaning (anus):
  • The comedian's crude joke used the word "bunghole" to refer to a part of the anatomy. (Note: This usage is considered vulgar and offensive in most contexts.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is almost exclusively used in its literal, technical sense within industries like brewing, winemaking, and cooperage (barrel-making). Its slang usage is intentionally crude and is rarely found in polite or formal conversation.

Variants and Related Words

• Bung (noun): The stopper, often made of wood or rubber, used to plug the bunghole.
• Bung (verb): To close or seal with a bung (e.g., ).

Synonyms

• For the literal meaning: Tap hole, vent hole, filling hole.
• For the slang meaning: (All are vulgar slang) Anus, asshole, rear end.

Important Note on Usage

The slang meaning of "bunghole" is highly vulgar and derogatory. It should be avoided in formal writing, professional settings, and polite conversation. Learners of English should be aware that using this word in its slang sense is likely to cause offense. The primary and acceptable definition is the technical one related to barrels.

Noun

1. a hole in a barrel or cask; used to fill or empty it
2. vulgar slang for anus