bugbear
bugbear Lexical Profile
bugbear Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A cause of obsessive fear, anxiety, or persistent irritation and annoyance.
"Unnecessary bureaucratic paperwork remained the biggest bugbear for the small business owners."
A legendary goblin or monster shaped like a bear, formerly invoked in folklore to frighten disobedient children into good behavior.
"In early modern folklore, the bugbear was said to lurk in the woods to snatch away unruly children."
Word Nuance & Usage
While 'bugbear' is standard in British English for an ongoing irritation or dreaded issue, North American speakers more commonly use 'bogeyman' for a source of fear and 'pet peeve' for a persistent annoyance.
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the late 16th century from the obsolete English word 'bug' (meaning a goblin or scarecrow, related to 'bogey') and 'bear', originally referring to a legendary bear-like goblin invoked to frighten disobedient children.