bug-eyed

[ buhg-ahyd ]

adjective

1. with bulging eyes, as from fright, surprise, or wonderment; wide-eyed.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bug-eyed¹

An Americanism dating back to 1920–25; bug ¹ + eyed

Example Sentences

In the run-up to the release of the twisty weepie “We Live in Time,” A24 released a promotional picture of its main characters, played by Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, enjoying a carousel ride together, their giddy pleasure overshadowed by the presence of a golden, bug-eyed and, from the look of things, demonically possessed merry-go-round horse in the foreground of the photo.

From Los Angeles Times

Creatures such as white dragon-like birds, glowing blue sponges, bug-eyed sloths, mutant frogs, flying bunnies and the creepiest of crawlies imaginable enrich each frame with impressive detail and lively color.

From Los Angeles Times

We watched, bug-eyed, with another couple who turned out to be then-Gov.

From Los Angeles Times

The combination of bones in the eye socket gave it a “bug-eyed appearance” like Kermit’s, and its slightly crushed, three-centimer-long fossilized skull appeared to have “a lopsided smile,” reminiscent of Kermit’s shy grin, Mx.

From New York Times

Bug-eyed conspiracy theorists raving about QAnon.

From Salon