bug-a-boo

Etymology
An earlier form was seen in, probably an alteration of (see bug), but connected by Chapman ("Dictionary of American Slang") with Bugibu, demon in the Old French poem  from 1141, which is perhaps of  origin as a pagan god (compare 🇨🇬, from ). Alternatively,. For a similar semantic development from a heathen god to demon to monster, compare etymology of French.

Noun

 * 1) A mythical, nocturnal creature; a hobgoblin.
 * 2) Any imagined fear or threat, or a fear presumed larger than it really is.
 * 1) Any imagined fear or threat, or a fear presumed larger than it really is.

Synonyms

 * See