If you’ve searched for the Bogart meaning, you may have heard someone say, “Don’t bogart the chips!” or “Quit bogarting the remote.” While the word began as a slang expression, it’s now widely used to describe someone who keeps something all to themselves instead of sharing.
The term has an interesting connection to classic Hollywood and has appeared in songs, movies, and everyday conversations for decades. Today, Bogart is commonly used in casual American English to describe selfishly monopolizing an object, opportunity, or resource.
In this guide, you’ll learn what Bogart meaning means, where it came from, how it’s used today, and common examples.
Quick Answer
Bogart meaning means to selfishly keep something for yourself without sharing, especially in informal American slang. The term is most commonly used when someone holds onto a joint, cigarette, food, or another item instead of passing it to others. More broadly, it can also mean to monopolize or dominate something.
What Does Bogart meaning?
Quick Definition
Bogart (verb): To keep something for yourself without sharing it with others; to monopolize or hog something.
What It Usually Means
People use bogart when someone:
- Refuses to share.
- Holds onto an item too long.
- Monopolizes a conversation.
- Takes more than their fair share.
- Doesn’t give others a chance.
Although it often refers to physical objects, it can also describe time, attention, or opportunities.
Origin and History of Bogart
The slang term Bogart is widely believed to come from the famous actor Humphrey Bogart, who was often seen on screen with a cigarette hanging from his mouth.
One popular theory is that his movie characters rarely passed the cigarette to anyone else, leading people to associate his name with holding onto something instead of sharing it. While this explanation is commonly repeated, the exact origin isn’t fully documented.
The term became especially popular in American slang during the 1960s and 1970s, particularly after the release of the song “Don’t Bogart Me.”
Today, bogart is understood well beyond its original association with smoking.
How People Actually Use “Bogart”
Sharing Food
“Don’t bogart the pizza!”
Meaning: Share it with everyone.
Watching TV
“Stop bogarting the remote.”
Meaning: Let someone else choose.
Group Conversations
“He’s been bogarting the discussion.”
Meaning: He’s talking too much without letting others speak.
Gaming
“Don’t bogart all the good weapons.”
Meaning: Share resources with teammates.
Real Examples of Bogart
Example 1
“Don’t bogart the popcorn.”
Meaning: Stop keeping it to yourself.
Example 2
“She bogarted the microphone all night.”
Meaning: She wouldn’t let others speak or sing.
Example 3
“He bogarts every opportunity.”
Meaning: He tries to take every chance for himself.
Example 4
“Quit bogarting the controller.”
Meaning: Let someone else play.
Example 5
“They accused him of bogarting the conversation.”
Meaning: He dominated the discussion.
Example 6
“Don’t bogart the snacks.”
Meaning: Share the food.
Example 7
“She bogarted all the credit.”
Meaning: She took all the recognition.
Example 8
“He’s bogarting the best seat.”
Meaning: He’s keeping the best place for himself.
Example 9
“My brother always bogarts the Wi-Fi.”
Meaning: He uses most of the internet bandwidth.
Example 10
“Stop bogarting the blanket.”
Meaning: Share it.
Common Expressions with Bogart
Bogart the Joint
Originally referred to someone holding onto a marijuana joint instead of passing it around.
Example:
“Don’t bogart the joint.”
Bogart the Conversation
Meaning:
Talk so much that others don’t get a chance.
Bogart the Spotlight
Meaning:
Take all the attention.
Bogart the Credit
Meaning:
Take recognition that should be shared.
Common Mistakes and Misunderstandings
Mistake: Bogart means stealing.
Correct: It usually means keeping or monopolizing something, not taking it illegally.
Mistake: Bogart is only about smoking.
Correct: While that’s where the slang became popular, it’s now used in many everyday situations.
Mistake: Bogart is always offensive.
Correct: It’s usually a lighthearted or humorous criticism among friends.
Mistake: Bogart is a noun.
Correct: In modern slang, it’s most commonly used as a verb.
Similar Words
| Word | Meaning | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Hog | Keep too much for yourself | Most common synonym |
| Monopolize | Take exclusive control | More formal |
| Hoard | Collect and keep excessively | Often long-term |
| Keep | Retain possession | Neutral |
| Dominate | Control or overpower | Broader meaning |
| Withhold | Refuse to give | More formal |
| Claim | Take ownership | Doesn’t always imply selfishness |
| Seize | Take suddenly | Stronger than bogart |
Is “Bogart” Positive, Negative, or Neutral?
Bogart usually has a negative meaning because it suggests selfishness or unfairness.
However, among friends it’s often used jokingly.
Examples:
- “Don’t bogart the fries!”
- “Quit bogarting the playlist!”
These are usually playful rather than serious criticisms.
Should You Use “Bogart”?
Use “bogart” when:
- Speaking informally with friends.
- Describing someone who won’t share.
- Writing casual dialogue.
- Referring to someone monopolizing time or attention.
Avoid using it when:
- Writing formal business or academic documents.
- Speaking with audiences unfamiliar with American slang.
FAQs
What does Bogart mean?
Bogart means to selfishly keep something for yourself instead of sharing it with others.
Why is it called Bogart?
The slang is commonly linked to actor Humphrey Bogart, though the exact origin isn’t fully confirmed. The name became associated with someone who holds onto a cigarette or other item instead of passing it along.
Is Bogart a slang word?
Yes. It’s an informal American slang term.
What does “Don’t Bogart” mean?
It means don’t keep something all to yourself—share it with others.
Can Bogart describe conversations?
Yes. Someone who bogarts the conversation talks so much that others don’t have a chance to participate.
Is Bogart only used for smoking?
No. Today it can refer to food, attention, opportunities, conversations, gaming resources, and many other situations.
What are synonyms for Bogart?
Common synonyms include hog, monopolize, hoard, dominate, and withhold, depending on the context.
How do you pronounce Bogart?
Bogart is pronounced BOH-gart (/ˈboʊ.ɡɑːrt/).
Is Bogart still commonly used?
Yes. Although it’s somewhat old-fashioned, it’s still recognized in American English, especially in casual speech and pop culture.
Is Bogart positive or negative?
It generally has a negative meaning because it suggests selfish behavior, though it’s often used humorously among friends.
Conclusion
The Bogart meaning is to keep something for yourself instead of sharing it, whether it’s food, a conversation, a remote control, or an opportunity. Although the slang term has roots in classic Hollywood and became popular through American pop culture, it’s still used today as a playful way to call out someone who’s being a little selfish.
Knowing how to use bogart correctly will help you better understand casual conversations, movies, songs, and everyday American slang.
What’s the funniest thing you’ve heard someone accused of “bogarting”? Let us know in the comments!