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Bugbear Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘น
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bugbear

[หˆbสŒษกหŒbษ›r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

mythical creature

A bugbear is a mythical creature resembling a bear or goblin that is used to frighten children. Traditionally found in folklore, bugbears are often described as ghoulish figures that lurk in the dark, waiting to scare those who misbehave. The term has also evolved in more modern usage to refer to a source of fear, anxiety, or annoyance. Bugbears can be employed metaphorically to highlight things that people find particularly disturbing or troubling in various contexts.

Synonyms

boogeyman, horror, nightmare, nuisance.

Examples of usage

  • The children were afraid of the bugbear under their bed.
  • My biggest bugbear is public speaking.
  • Each parent's bugbear is different when it comes to discipline.
  • The movie depicted a bugbear that terrorized the village.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Bugbears often appear in stories and folklore as mythical creatures that embody people's fears, such as monsters hiding under the bed.
  • In Shakespeare's works, a 'bugbear' is mentioned as a tool to frighten characters, showcasing its use in dramatic literature.

Psychology

  • In psychology, a bugbear can represent irrational fears or anxieties that cause distress, even if there's no real threat.
  • Awareness of oneโ€™s bugbears can help individuals confront and overcome their fears, much like facing a monster in a story.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'bugbear' has been adopted in modern slang to refer to personal pet peeves or ongoing annoyances in everyday life.
  • In various video games and fantasy genres, a bugbear is also depicted as a creature, becoming a staple character in role-playing games.

Education

  • Teachers may use the concept of bugbears to help children understand that fears arenโ€™t always real, encouraging discussions about challenges.
  • It can serve as a tool in classrooms to help kids articulate their worries, making them feel less alone by naming their fears.

Origin of 'bugbear'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from 'bug' meaning a ghost or hobgoblin, combined with 'bear', referring to a frightening or troublesome creature, prevalent in medieval folklore.
  • It was used in the 16th century in English literature to describe a frightening monster, often to scare children into behaving.

The term 'bugbear' traces its origins back to Middle English, from the combination of 'bug', a word used in the 15th century meaning a frightening creature, and 'bear', which suggests a formidable or threatening nature. The earliest known usage in literature can be found in the 15th century, appearing in various texts portraying bugbears as creatures capable of instilling fear, especially among children. Its folklore roots in British traditions depict bugbears as hairy, goblin-like beings that would steal away misbehaving children. Over time, the term transitioned into popular culture, evolving from a supernatural entity into a concept representing metaphorical fears or annoyances, which serve as a reflection of individual anxieties in everyday contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,194 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.