noun
bugaboo
BUG-uh-boo/ˈbʌɡəbuː/
Something that causes persistent worry, annoyance, or exaggerated fear.
The returning patch of weeds remains the gardener's persistent bugaboo.
Etymology
The earlier word named an imagined terror used to frighten children. Probably an alteration of bugbear, it broadened from a frightening figure to a persistent source of fear, annoyance, or concern.
In context
$470 a month is a pretty substantial payment, but the debt is about $7,700. Your bugaboo is the 13% interest.
More examples
- For years, public speaking was her personal bugaboo.
- The supposed danger became a political bugaboo.
- Minor scheduling problems should not become overwhelming bugaboos.
Forms
bugaboo · bugaboos
Similar words
- fear
- Any feeling of alarm, while bugaboo names its persistent or exaggerated object.