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Bogyman: meaning, definitions and examples

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bogyman

 

[ ˈboʊɡiˌmæn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

fearful figure

A bogyman, often spelled 'bogeyman', is a mythical creature used by adults to frighten children into behaving. These creatures are typically described as lurking in dark places and are often said to take away misbehaving children. The bogyman serves as a warning that improper behavior may result in unwanted consequences. Each culture has its own version of the bogyman, with various names and characteristics.

Synonyms

boogeyman, ghost, monster

Examples of usage

  • My parents told me that the bogyman would come if I didn't go to sleep.
  • Children often fear the bogyman lurking in their closets.
  • In stories, the bogyman is depicted as a shadowy figure.

Translations

Translations of the word "bogyman" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bicho-papão

🇮🇳 भूत

🇩🇪 Böser Mann

🇮🇩 hantu

🇺🇦 багато

🇵🇱 baba jaga

🇯🇵 バケモノ

🇫🇷 monstre

🇪🇸 hombre del saco

🇹🇷 korkunç adam

🇰🇷 괴물

🇸🇦 شبح

🇨🇿 strašidlo

🇸🇰 strašiak

🇨🇳 妖怪

🇸🇮 pošast

🇮🇸 skrækingur

🇰🇿 жеремен

🇬🇪 ეშმაკი

🇦🇿 canavar

🇲🇽 hombre del costal

Etymology

The term 'bogyman' is believed to have originated from the Middle English word 'bogge', which refers to a ghost or monster. It likely derives from similar words in various European languages that denote fear or a terrifying figure. The concept of a bogyman has evolved through folklore, where it represents societal fears projected onto a fictitious being. This figure has been used throughout history across numerous cultures to keep children in line, often serving as a narrative tool to enforce behavioral norms. With the rise of modern psychology, the bogyman transformed from a mere cautionary tale to a representation of more profound psychological fears, illustrating the universal theme of childhood anxieties.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,139, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.