bogeyman

== English == === Alternative forms === bogieman, bogyman, boogieman, boogeyman, boogyman, buggerman === Etymology === From bogey +‎ -man. === Pronunciation === (UK) IPA(key): /ˈbəʊ.ɡɪˌmæn/, /ˈbəʊ.ɡiˌmæn/ (US) IPA(key): /ˈboʊ.ɡiˌmæn/, /ˈbʊɡ.iˌmæn/, /ˈbu.ɡiˌmæn/ (Canada) IPA(key): /ˈbu.ɡiˌmæn/ === Noun === bogeyman (plural bogeymen) A menacing, ghost-like monster in children's stories. Synonyms: bogey, bug-a-boo, bugaboo, bugbear Coordinate terms: goblin; see also Thesaurus:ghost Near-synonyms: bogeyperson, bogeywoman (figuratively, by extension) Any make-believe threat, especially one used to intimidate or distract; a real threat greatly exaggerated for those purposes. Near-synonyms: bug-a-boo, bugaboo, chimera ==== Translations ==== === Anagrams === money bag, moneybag