Australian use : A term of endearment towards friend or family whose
behaviour is funny or cheeky but in a cute or warm way. Secretly enjoyed by the receiver of the buggers behaviour.
Australian : when something goes wrong
When a close friend plays a prank on you, and scares you, one may reply “You
little bugger”. The prank wasn’t right but you’re giving kudos to the person who did it as it was actually a good prank even though it was wrong.
When a family members does something hilarious
“You’re a funny bugger”
When someone has a lot of courage to say something that most wouldn’t.
One would say “oh you’re a cheeky bugger”. Impressed by what they said but also knowing it was said in jest
When a cup slip
off the bench and smashes
on the floor. “Oh bugger”