Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Bugbear: meaning, definitions and examples

👹
Add to dictionary

bugbear

 

[ˈbʌɡˌbɛr ]

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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 one’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 aren’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.

Translations

Translations of the word "bugbear" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fantasma

🇮🇳 भूत

🇩🇪 Schreckgespenst

🇮🇩 hantu

🇺🇦 страшилка

🇵🇱 straszydło

🇯🇵 お化け

🇫🇷 spectre

🇪🇸 fantasma

🇹🇷 hayalet

🇰🇷 유령

🇸🇦 شبح

🇨🇿 strašidlo

🇸🇰 strašidlo

🇨🇳 鬼怪

🇸🇮 strah

🇮🇸 draugur

🇰🇿 елес

🇬🇪 მოჩვენება

🇦🇿 xəyal

🇲🇽 fantasma

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.