bogeyman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal
Quick answer
What does “bogeyman” mean?
An imaginary evil creature or monster used by adults to frighten children into good behaviour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An imaginary evil creature or monster used by adults to frighten children into good behaviour.
A person or thing that is a source of fear, threat, or anxiety, often perceived as exaggerated or imaginary.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'bogeyman' is standard in American English, while 'bogeyman' or sometimes 'bogie man' is used in British English. In British English, the related term 'bogey' can also mean a piece of dried mucus from the nose.
Connotations
In both varieties, it is primarily a childhood fear figure. The extended political/social usage is equally common.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “bogeyman” in a Sentence
[Person/Group] used [Issue] as a bogeyman to [Achieve Goal].The [Issue] became the bogeyman of [Group/Institution].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bogeyman” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was accused of bogeymanning the immigration issue.
American English
- Politicians often bogeyman their opponents' policies.
adjective
British English
- He has a bogeyman-like presence in their propaganda.
American English
- The campaign used bogeyman tactics to scare voters.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a perceived threat to markets or industries (e.g., 'Automation is the new bogeyman for factory workers').
Academic
Used in sociology/political science to describe a constructed social or political threat.
Everyday
Used by parents to frighten children; used by adults to describe an exaggerated fear.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bogeyman”
- Spelling: 'boogeyman' (informal variant) vs. standard 'bogeyman'.
- Confusing with 'bogey' meaning a golf score or nasal mucus (BrE).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A ghost is typically the spirit of a dead person. A monster is a general term for a frightening creature. A bogeyman is specifically an amorphous, often nameless figure used to scare children, and its description varies greatly by culture.
Almost never. Its core semantics are rooted in fear and threat, so its connotations are overwhelmingly negative.
They are very similar in their extended meanings. 'Bugbear' is slightly more formal and often refers to a persistent source of irritation or anxiety, while 'bogeyman' has stronger connotations of a fabricated threat used for control.
'Bogeyman' is the standard spelling in both BrE and AmE. 'Boogeyman' is a common informal variant, particularly in AmE.
An imaginary evil creature or monster used by adults to frighten children into good behaviour.
Bogeyman is usually informal in register.
Bogeyman: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbəʊɡiˌmæn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈboʊɡiˌmæn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The bogeyman is under the bed.”
- “Don't make a bogeyman out of it.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BOG where a scary MAN hides. The bogeyman hides in the bog.
Conceptual Metaphor
FEAR IS A MONSTER / A THREAT IS A MONSTER UNDER THE BED.
Practice
Quiz
In its extended, non-literal meaning, 'bogeyman' most accurately refers to: