hobgoblin
C2Literary, Figurative, Informal
Definition
Meaning
A mischievous, ugly, or frightening supernatural creature from folklore, smaller than a typical goblin.
A source of fear, dread, or an object of obsessive opposition. Often used metaphorically for a persistent problem or bogeyman.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Historically, hobgoblins were not always evil; some, like Puck in English folklore, were pranksters. In modern figurative use (often following Ralph Waldo Emerson's phrase 'a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds'), it implies an irrational fear or preoccupation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is equally recognized and used in both varieties, primarily in its literary or figurative senses.
Connotations
Slightly stronger folkloric connection in British English due to richer native folklore tradition.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both. Slightly more likely to appear in British writing due to cultural references to folklore.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[the/their] hobgoblin of [abstract noun, e.g., fear, inconsistency]like a hobgoblina hobgoblin [verb, e.g., lurked, teased]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds. (Emerson)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Figuratively: 'Supply chain disruption became the hobgoblin of their expansion plans.'
Academic
Rare, except in literary or folklore studies. Figurative use in philosophy/political science discussing 'constructed threats'.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used humorously or metaphorically for a persistent minor nuisance.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The tale had a hobgoblin-ish quality.
- He made a hobgoblin face.
American English
- The story had a hobgoblin-like menace.
- He gave a hobgoblin grin.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children were scared of the hobgoblin in the story.
- He drew a picture of a funny hobgoblin.
- In the old legend, a hobgoblin played tricks on travellers who lost their way.
- For the government, inflation has become the chief economic hobgoblin.
- The politician warned against making a hobgoblin of regulatory reform, arguing it was essential for safety.
- The novelist's work is populated by the hobgoblins of guilt and historical memory.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HOBBY + GOBLIN = A goblin that bothers you as a hobby. It's a persistent, annoying creature of the mind.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PROBLEM/ FEAR IS A SUPERNATURAL CREATURE; AN OBSESSION IS A PEST.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'домовой' (house spirit), which is more neutral/domestic. Hobgoblin is uglier and more malicious. The direct translation 'гоблин' is accurate but less specific.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'hobgobling' or 'hobgoblin's'. Using it to mean a large, powerful monster (it implies smaller size).
Practice
Quiz
Which famous quote features the word 'hobgoblin'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally, a hobgoblin is a type of goblin, often considered smaller, more mischievous than outright evil, and sometimes even helpful. In modern fantasy, the distinction is often blurred.
No, it's a low-frequency word. It's primarily used in literary contexts, discussions of folklore, or in the specific figurative sense popularized by Emerson.
Rarely. Its folkloric origin (like Puck) allows for playful mischief, but the dominant modern connotations are negative: fear, ugliness, and nuisance.
Use the pattern '[thing feared/obsessed over] is the hobgoblin of [person/group/mind]'. Example: 'For the veteran team, complacency was the hobgoblin they worked hardest to avoid.'