bugaboo

[buhg-uh-boo]

noun

plural

bugaboos 

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

bugaboo

/ ˈbʌɡəˌbuː /

noun

1. an imaginary source of fear; bugbear; bogey

Word History and Origins

Origin of bugaboo¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of bugaboo¹

C18: probably of Celtic origin; compare Cornish buccaboo the devil

Example Sentences

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

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She believes "we won't even need health care" if Kennedy gets rid of vaccines and other crank bugaboos like genetically modified foods.

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

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

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For Mr. Ackman, and for many Republicans and segments of the moderate left, diversity, equity and inclusion or D.E.I. programs have become a bugaboo, shorthand for liberal hypocrisy in academia and wrongheaded business practices.

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