Bogeyman: meaning, definitions and examples
๐น
bogeyman
[ หboสษกiหmรฆn ]
mythical creature
A bogeyman is a mythical creature or spirit used to frighten children into good behavior. It often appears as a vague, shadowy figure that represents the fear of the unknown. Originating from various folklore, the bogeyman is typically invoked by parents when children misbehave, as a way to encourage them to stay in line.
Synonyms
boogeyman, nightmare, phantasm.
Examples of usage
- Don't make me call the bogeyman!
- The stories of the bogeyman kept the children awake at night.
- He was so afraid, he thought the bogeyman was under his bed.
- Legend has it that the bogeyman is lurking in the dark.
- Parents often use the bogeyman to scare kids into sleeping.
Translations
Translations of the word "bogeyman" in other languages:
๐ต๐น bicho-papรฃo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคญเฅเคคเคฟเคฏเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Buhmann
๐ฎ๐ฉ hantu
๐บ๐ฆ ัััะฐัะธะปะพ
๐ต๐ฑ baba jaga
๐ฏ๐ต ใๅใ
๐ซ๐ท croque-mitaine
๐ช๐ธ hombre del saco
๐น๐ท korkunรง adam
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ท์
๐ธ๐ฆ ุดุจุญ
๐จ๐ฟ bubรกk
๐ธ๐ฐ straลกidlo
๐จ๐ณ ๆช็ฉ
๐ธ๐ฎ strah
๐ฎ๐ธ skrรฆksvettur
๐ฐ๐ฟ าาฑะฑัะถัา
๐ฌ๐ช แแแ แแขแ แกแฃแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ demon
๐ฒ๐ฝ hombre del saco
Etymology
The term 'bogeyman' has roots in English folklore, where it often represents a figure that embodies children's fears and anxieties. The word 'bogey' itself has various interpretations, possibly deriving from the Middle English term 'bugge', which referred to a monstrous bugbear or goblin. Over the years, the bogeyman concept has been used in various cultures to instill fear and promote obedience in children. It serves as a cautionary tale, often invoked by parents to discourage misbehavior. The modern interpretation of the bogeyman has somewhat evolved, merging with popular culture and appearing in literature, television, and movies, but the essence as a figures of fright remains. Different cultures have their own versions of bogeymen, illustrating the universal nature of this concept in addressing childhood fears.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #36,644, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.
- ...
- 36641 nasturtium
- 36642 galvanising
- 36643 outperforming
- 36644 bogeyman
- 36645 slating
- 36646 sirocco
- 36647 woebegone
- ...