What does bungy mean?
Bungy is chiefly a British and Australasian spelling variant of bungee. As a noun, it can refer to the elastic cord attached to a jumper or, in phrases such as "a bungy jump," to the activity itself. As a verb, bungy means to take part in bungee jumping, as in a description of someone leaping from a bridge or platform while secured by an elastic cord. The expression is neutral to informal and is particularly associated with outdoor adventure and organized jumping events. In American English, bungee is the more usual spelling, although bungy is also understood. The word has an unusual and memorable history: it comes from Bungi, an Aboriginal language of New South Wales, Australia, where the term referred to a native vine noted for its springing movement. That natural source helped give modern English both the cord and the name of the sport.
An elastic cord used for bungee jumping; by extension, a jump made with such a cord.
"The guide checked the bungy and harness before the first jump."
The sense meaning a jump is especially common in British and Australasian English and in expressions such as "a bungy jump."
To jump from a height while attached to an elastic cord.
"He bungied from the tower as the crowd watched from below."
This use is informal and is especially associated with British and Australasian English.
The plural refers to individual elastic cords or, less commonly, to bungee jumps.
"The instructor inspected both bungies before the group entered the platform."
The sport's name ultimately leads back to bungi, a springy Australian vine—an apt ancestor for an activity built around bouncing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does bungy come from?
Bungy entered English through Australasian usage in the late twentieth century and is usually traced to Bungi, an Aboriginal language of New South Wales, Australia. Bungi referred to a jumping vine, and the name was adopted for an elastic cord used in jumping. The related spelling bungee became prominent with the development of bungee jumping, leaving bungy and bungee as established regional variants.
Related word forms
How bungy is actually used
The word is informal to neutral in ordinary use. Bungy is especially characteristic of British, Australian, and New Zealand English, whereas bungee is generally preferred in American English.
Easily confused with bungy
Bungee is the more common spelling in American English, while bungy is especially used in British and Australasian English; the words generally have the same meanings.