Meaning of bugaboo in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Noun
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈbəɡəˌbu/

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    UK accent Play button

  1. Noun

    bugaboo

    Etymology

    mid 18th century: probably of Celtic origin and related to Welsh bwci bo‘bogey, the Devil’, bwci‘hobgoblin’ and Cornish bucca

    Definitions

    1. an imaginary monster used to frighten children
  2. 2. a source of concern

    Examples

    • « the old bugaboo of inflation still bothers them »

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