bug-a-boo

English - English

Definition of bug-a-boo in English English dictionary

A mythical, nocturnal creature; a hobgoblin

Any imagined fear or threat, or a fear presumed larger than it really is

a fear had come upon them, and they had a kind of bug-a-boo terror about roving gangsters.

Etymology

() bug +‎ a +‎ boo