With tomorrow being Halloween, bugaboo is a word appropriate to the season because, well...
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| Image by Mojca JJ from Pixabay |
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Now, let's find out where this interesting word came from and how long it's been around...
According to the Online Etymological Dictionary bugaboo is "something to frighten a child, fancied object of terror." It dates from 1843 (nice to know!), perhaps evolving from the 1740 buggybow (now that's one I haven't heard of before).
The OED also notes that bugaboo is probably an alteration of bugbear (another word with a fascinating history... check out the link). The entry dives in a little further, saying that the Dictionary of American Slang by Robert L. Chapman links bugaboo to Bugibu, demon in the Old French poem "Aliscans" from 1141, "which is perhaps of Celtic origin (compare Cornish bucca-boo, from bucca 'bogle, goblin')."
So, there you have it, a little word history to chew over as you eye the chocolates and other sweets in your Halloween offerings for the little hobgoblins who come a-knocking on your door for treats. Enjoy the end-of-October festivities, and don't let the bugaboos get to you!
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| Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay |
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2 comments:
Extra treats, for my dog and your cat, to alleviate bugaboo induced stress brought on by hobgoblins invading their safe place. At least, that's what my dog's demanding.
Hi Liz!
... And your dog is absolutely right to do so. :-) Hope you survived the night of hobgoblins and bugaboos!
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