bug out

== English == === Etymology === Attested 1950, popularized in the Korean War (1950–53) in such phrases as “bug-out fever” (rout) and “the big bug out” (November/December 1950 retreat) and entered civilian slang by mid 1950s. Likely originated in World War II, perhaps based on 1930s cartoons featuring bugs fleeing an impending foot or boot. Ultimately based on the rapid, disorderly flight of bugs when discovered, particularly their scattering if several are discovered at once, such as under a rock or can. Compare chicken out. === Pronunciation === === Verb === bug out (third-person singular simple present bugs out, present participle bugging out, simple past and past participle bugged out) (slang, intransitive, originally military) To leave (a place) hastily. (slang, intransitive) To abandon someone without warning. I'm not gonna bug out on you, I promise. (slang, intransitive) To miss school, play truant, play hooky. I go to Stockton High, but normally I bug out. (slang, intransitive) To leave civilization to live off the grid; to escape an apocalypse or emergency by leaving the area. When it all goes down, you're gonna want to bug out. Antonym: bug in (slang, transitive, of one's eyes) To cause to bulge. (slang, intransitive, of eyes) To bulge; to protrude. (slang, intransitive) To freak out, to go crazy, e.g. from worry. (intransitive, slang, computing) To crash or glitch. ==== Derived terms ==== === Noun === bug out (plural bug outs) (military, slang) A rapid retreat, a rout. ==== Synonyms ==== === References ===