bugaboo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, slightly archaic or humorous
Quick answer
What does “bugaboo” mean?
An object of fear, anxiety, or annoyance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An object of fear, anxiety, or annoyance; a persistent problem or source of dread.
A cause of irrational fear, often used for children's imaginary fears; a recurring obstacle or complaint in discussions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in American English, though still infrequent. In UK English, it might be perceived as a quaint or old-fashioned Americanism.
Connotations
US: Informal, sometimes humorous. UK: Rare, may carry a slightly literary or playful tone.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both variants. Most commonly encountered in older texts, political commentary, or humorous contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “bugaboo” in a Sentence
[Subject] is a bugaboo for [person/group]The bugaboo of [issue] haunted [situation]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bugaboo” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not used as a verb)
American English
- (Not used as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- (Not used as an adjective)
American English
- (Not used as an adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might refer to a persistent market fear or regulatory concern.
Academic
Rare, used in historical or cultural analysis of fears.
Everyday
Informal, often humorous or rhetorical.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bugaboo”
- Using it for a genuinely terrifying threat (too strong).
- Spelling as 'buggaboo' or 'bugabo'.
- Confusing with 'bugbear', which is more common in UK English.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Bugbear' is more common in British English and often implies a pet peeve or specific source of annoyance. 'Bugaboo' is slightly more American and can lean more towards an irrational fear or spectre.
No, it is informal and often used with a humorous or lightly dismissive tone.
Yes, but typically in a metaphorical sense, meaning a person who is a persistent source of annoyance or fear to someone else.
Its origin is uncertain but it likely arose in the 18th century, possibly imitative of a frightening sound or related to 'bogey' and the Welsh 'bwg' (ghost).
An object of fear, anxiety, or annoyance.
Bugaboo: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbʌɡəbuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbəɡəˌbu/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Raise the bugaboo of (to introduce a feared topic as a warning or deterrent)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A 'bug' that 'boos' you in the night, like a childish ghost causing a fuss.
Conceptual Metaphor
FEAR IS A MONSTER / PROBLEM IS A PEST
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'bugaboo' LEAST appropriate?