double-bogey

The term 'bogey' originated in the 1890s as a golfing term for the ideal score on a hole, named after the "Bogey Man," a phantom opponent. The concept of 'par' later became the standard, redefining 'bogey' as one stroke over par. The compound 'double-bogey' was subsequently formed by adding the prefix 'double,' from Latin duplus, meaning "twofold," to logically indicate a score that is twice as bad as a single bogey, i.e., two strokes over par. This compounding follows a clear and consistent numerical pattern in golf terminology, as seen in 'triple-bogey' and beyond.

Structure: double (twofold) + bogey (a score of one over par) double: From Latin duplus (twofold, double). In this compound, it functions as a numerical prefix indicating "two of" the base unit. bogey: Likely from the term "Bogey Man," a mythical figure, used in late 19th century golf to represent an ideal score or standard against which to compete. It functions as the base noun denoting a specific golf score.