Bugaboo: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ป
bugaboo
[ หbสgษหbuห ]
general use
The term 'bugaboo' refers to an object of excessive worry or concern. It can denote something that causes anxiety or has become a source of distraction for people. The word is often used in a light-hearted or humorous manner, implying that the 'bugaboo' is perhaps not as serious as it seems. In children's literature, 'bugaboo' is also associated with a monster or creature that frightens children, similar to the term 'boogeyman.' Overall, it conveys a sense of fear that may not be based on reality.
Synonyms
boogeyman, nuisance, pet peeve, source of anxiety
Examples of usage
- Her bugaboo about public speaking held her back.
- The economy is a constant bugaboo for many voters.
- He didn't want to make his fears a bugaboo that would ruin his enjoyment.
- In storytime, the kids laughed at the silly bugaboo character.
Translations
Translations of the word "bugaboo" in other languages:
๐ต๐น bugaboo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฌเฅเคเคพเคฌเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Bugaboo
๐ฎ๐ฉ bugaboo
๐บ๐ฆ ะฑัะณะฐะฑั
๐ต๐ฑ bugaboo
๐ฏ๐ต ใใฌใใผ
๐ซ๐ท bugaboo
๐ช๐ธ bugaboo
๐น๐ท bugaboo
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ฒ๊ฐ๋ถ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุจูุฌุงุจู
๐จ๐ฟ bugaboo
๐ธ๐ฐ bugaboo
๐จ๐ณ ๅทดๅๅธ
๐ธ๐ฎ bugaboo
๐ฎ๐ธ bugaboo
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฑัะณะฐะฑั
๐ฌ๐ช แแฃแแแแฃ
๐ฆ๐ฟ bugaboo
๐ฒ๐ฝ bugaboo
Word origin
The word 'bugaboo' has an interesting etymology rooted in the 16th century. It is believed to derive from the earlier term 'bug,' which referred to a goblin or specter. The addition of 'boo' serves to exaggerate the sense of fear associated with the term. Historically, 'bugaboo' has been used in literature and oral traditions to describe imaginary creatures that children might fear, typically used by parents to instill a sense of caution regarding the unknown. The usage of 'bugaboo' in a more general sense to describe a source of worry or annoyance has evolved over time, gaining popularity in common vernacular. Today, it encapsulates both the playful notion of childhood fears and the adult experience of unnecessary anxieties.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #35,331, 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.
- ...
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- 35329 kraut
- 35330 embalmer
- 35331 bugaboo
- 35332 harmfulness
- 35333 commonweal
- 35334 unchained
- ...