bugaboo

• Nom désignant une créature imaginaire ou un objet de peur utilisé pour effrayer les enfants, ou une source constante d'inquiétude ou d'anxiété.

A noun referring to an imaginary monster or object of fear used to frighten children, or a persistent source of worry or concern.

1. Imaginary monsterB2informal

   A fictional creature or goblin often invoked to scare children into behaving.

   Monstre imaginaire

   • The old story told of a bugaboo that lived in the closet.
   • Parents sometimes use a bugaboo to keep their kids from wandering off.
   • He was afraid of the bugaboo under his bed.

   Synonymesbogeybogeymanboogeymanbugbeargoblinhobgoblin

2. Persistent problemC1informalamerican

   A recurring issue or source of anxiety that is difficult to resolve.

   Problème récurrent

   • Budget deficits have become a political bugaboo for the administration.
   • Her biggest bugaboo is public speaking.
   • The team's lack of communication is a constant bugaboo.

   Synonymesafflictionannoyancebugbearcurseheadachenemesisnuisanceplagueworry