bugaboo

American  

[buhg-uh-boo] / ˈbʌg əˌbu /

noun

plural

bugaboos

1. something that causes fear or worry; bugbear; bogy.

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bugaboo British  

/ ˈbʌɡəˌbuː /

noun

1. an imaginary source of fear; bugbear; bogey

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Etymology

Origin of bugaboo

1730–40; earlier buggybow. See bogy ¹, boo ¹

Example Sentences

But the latest bugaboo from the banking lobby is the possibility of other companies rewarding customers for using stablecoins.

From MarketWatch

He later apologized, adding that he misspoke and meant to say “bugaboo.”

From New York Times

“While attempting to use the word ‘bugaboo’ in a hearing, I used a phrase that is offensive,” he said.

From Seattle Times

And there's an intelligence in that rendering, as if she admirably recognizes that she doesn't want her kids to inherit her bugaboos.

From Salon

“That first inning has been my bugaboo in my career,” Irvin said.

From Seattle Times