Plural of badger, referring to stocky carnivorous mammals known for their digging ability and distinctive black and white facial markings. Can also be a verb meaning to persistently harass or pester.
From Middle English 'bageard', possibly from 'badge' (referring to the white mark on their head) plus '-ard' suffix. The verb sense of persistent bothering developed in the 18th century from badger-baiting, where dogs would harass badgers.
Honey badgers are actually more closely related to weasels than to true badgers, and they've earned the title of 'world's most fearless animal' in the Guinness Book of Records! The phrase 'badgering someone' comes from the cruel sport of badger-baiting, where the animal's tenacious fighting spirit became legendary.
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