bugaboo


bug·a·boo

noun \ˈbə-gə-ˌbü\
plural bug·a·boos

Definition of BUGABOO

1
: an imaginary object of fear
2
: bugbear 2; also : something that causes fear or distress out of proportion to its importance

Examples of BUGABOO

  1. politicians complaining about that old bugaboo, high oil prices
  2. <doing one's tax returns are a real bugaboo for some people>

Origin of BUGABOO

earlier buggybow, bugger-bo, of unknown origin
First Known Use: 1598

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