Meaning of bugaboo in English

1. Pronunciation

   /ˈbəɡəˌbu/

   US accent

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   UK accent

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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 »