Bogeyman
/ˈboʊ.ɡiˌmæn/noun
A mythical or imaginary being used to frighten children or explain fear.
Did you know?The first part, bogey, is tied to older English words for a frightening being or specter, and the same root family helped shape words like bug and bugbear—proof that language has been haunting us for centuries.
Etymological Timeline
Old English / Middle English
English
bugge
“A frightening thing, specter, or goblin-like being”
16th Century
English
bogge / bogey
“A ghost, hobgoblin, or scarecrow-like bogey used to frighten children”
19th Century
English
bogeyman
“A personified imaginary monster used to scare children”
Modern English
English
bogeyman
“An imaginary figure or threat used to frighten or warn”