Bugaboo
/ˈbʌɡ.ə.buː/noun
A source of fear, worry, or annoyance; also a mythical creature used to frighten children.
Did you know?Bugaboo is an English nursery word for a frightening imaginary creature, and its exact origin is uncertain, which makes it a classic example of sound being used like a spell to conjure fear.
Etymological Timeline
16th–17th Century
English
bugge / bug
“A frightening object or goblin; a specter used to scare children.”
17th Century
English
bugaboo
“A bogeyman or imaginary monster.”
18th–19th Century
English
bugaboo
“A source of fear, dread, or annoyance.”
Modern English
English
bugaboo
“Something that causes worry or is treated as a scary obstacle.”