bugbear

[ buhg-bair ]

noun

1. any source, real or imaginary, of needless fright or fear.
2. a persistent problem or source of annoyance.
3. Folklore. a goblin that eats up naughty children.

bugbear

/ ˈbʌɡˌbɛə /

noun

1. a thing that causes obsessive fear or anxiety
2. (in English folklore) a goblin said to eat naughty children and thought to be in the form of a bear

Word History and Origins

Origin of bugbear¹

First recorded in 1570–80; bug ² + bear ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of bugbear¹

C16: from bug ² + bear ²; compare bugaboo

Example Sentences

The former president spent much of his speech at Madison Square Garden on Sunday railing against a now familiar bugbear: supposed "enemies from within" the United States.

From Salon

With roughly half of the UK's households flying once a year, how people behave on planes is an ongoing bugbear.

From BBC

Poor connectivity during winter months has been a major bugbear for the valley’s largely farm-dependent businesses.

From BBC

"A lack of innovation seems to be a key bugbear and activists are putting pressure on the company to come up with some new ideas to drive up user numbers."

From BBC

Quad bikes, a particular bugbear for many communities across West Yorkshire in recent years, are raised frequently as an issue.

From BBC