Bardolph's distinguishing feature is his inflamed nose. This has led to much debate over the cause and severity of his apparent disfigurement. Some attribute the discoloration of his nose to heavy drinking, and others cite Fluellen's description in this play as proof of a more extensive skin condition and underlying cause. "Bubuckles," a term used by Fluellen, may be a composite of "carbuncles" and "bubos," which would imply syphilitic swelling.