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

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

From Salon

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

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.

From New York Times