boogeyman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, but common in news/political discourse.
Quick answer
What does “boogeyman” mean?
An imaginary monster or frightening figure, often used by adults to frighten children into good behavior.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An imaginary monster or frightening figure, often used by adults to frighten children into good behavior.
A person, group, or abstract concept that is widely feared or blamed for problems, often without real justification; a scapegoat or specter used to inspire fear or obedience.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK spelling is more commonly 'bogeyman'. US prefers 'boogeyman' or 'boogieman'. The spelling 'bogie man' is also found in UK English.
Connotations
Identical core meaning. In political contexts, US usage may be slightly more frequent.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “boogeyman” in a Sentence
X is the boogeyman of YThey invoked the boogeyman of ZDon't be scared of the boogeymanThe media created a new boogeyman.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “boogeyman” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The press tried to bogeyman the new policy.
- (Rare, non-standard)
American English
- Politicians often boogeyman their opponents. (Rare, informal)
adjective
British English
- The 'nanny state' is a classic bogeyman figure. (Attributive use)
American English
- He's pushing a boogeyman narrative about immigration.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"Inflation is the boogeyman that keeps investors awake at night." (Metaphorical threat)
Academic
Used in sociology/political science to describe a constructed object of fear (e.g., 'the boogeyman of social decay').
Everyday
"If you don't eat your vegetables, the boogeyman will get you!"
Technical
Not typically used in highly technical registers.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “boogeyman”
- Misspelling: 'boogyman', 'boogie man' (should be one word or hyphenated).
- Using it to describe a real, specific criminal (use 'monster' or 'fiend' instead).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Monster' is a broader term for any frightening creature, real or imaginary. 'Boogeyman' specifically refers to an amorphous, often undefined frightening figure used to induce fear or compliance, especially in children or political discourse.
Not inherently, but it can be dismissive or belittling when used to describe a person or group's genuine fears (e.g., 'You're just afraid of a boogeyman').
Yes, but only metaphorically. It labels someone who is portrayed as an omnipresent source of evil or threat, often exaggeratedly so (e.g., 'The dictator was the boogeyman of the Western world').
Boogyman, boogie man, bogyman, boogieman. The standard variants are 'boogeyman' (US) and 'bogeyman' (UK).
An imaginary monster or frightening figure, often used by adults to frighten children into good behavior.
Boogeyman is usually informal, but common in news/political discourse. in register.
Boogeyman: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbʊɡ.i.mæn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbʊɡ.i.mæn/ or /ˈbuː.ɡi.mæn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The boogeyman under the bed”
- “The boogeyman in the closet”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Sounds like 'boogie' (a dance) + 'man'. Imagine a scary man coming to make you 'boogie' (move quickly) out of fear.
Conceptual Metaphor
FEAR IS A MONSTER / AN ABSTRACT PROBLEM IS A MONSTER UNDER THE BED.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'boogeyman' used most metaphorically?