Boogeyman: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ‘ป
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boogeyman

 

[ หˆbสŠgษชหŒmรฆn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

mythical figure

The term 'boogeyman' refers to a mythical creature commonly associated with children's fears. It is often depicted as a menacing figure that lurks in the dark, intended to frighten children into behaving or as a cautionary tale. The boogeyman is not a specific entity but rather a societal representation of fears, varying by culture and personal experiences. In many cultures, the boogeyman assumes various forms, sometimes referred to with different names. The idea of the boogeyman has endured in folklore, literature, and popular culture, reflecting deep-seated anxieties.

Synonyms

bogeyman, monster, nightmare, phantom

Examples of usage

  • Children fear the boogeyman lurking in their closet.
  • Parents sometimes use the boogeyman as a disciplinary tool.
  • Stories of the boogeyman are told to entertain and scare kids.
  • The boogeyman has appeared in numerous horror films.

Translations

Translations of the word "boogeyman" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น bicho-papรฃo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเฅ‚เค—เฅ€เคฎเฅˆเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Boogeyman

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ boogeyman

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑะฐะฑะฐะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ baba jaga

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ–ใ‚ฎใƒผใƒžใƒณ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท croque-mitaine

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ coco

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท bรผyรผcรผ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ถ€๊ธฐ๋งจ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจูˆุฌูŠู…ุงู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ bubรกk

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ bubรกk

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅธƒๅ‰ๆ›ผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ boogeyman

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ boogeyman

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑัƒะณะธะผะตะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒฃแƒ’แƒ˜แƒ›แƒ”แƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ boogeyman

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ coco

Word origin

The term 'boogeyman' has origins that trace back to the early 19th century, derived from the Scottish word 'bogy' or 'bugbear.' In folklore, 'bugbear' referred to a type of hobgoblin or spirit that would scare people, particularly children. The word evolved as it entered popular vernacular and was notably influenced by similar terms in various cultures that embody fear. Its recurrent theme across many societies highlights humanity's universal concept of a figure that embodies fear and the unknown. Over time, the boogeyman has been adapted into modern narratives, appearing in literature, film, and other media, often representing not only physical fear but psychological and social anxieties, making it a rich subject in exploring childhood fears, discipline, and cultural stories.