bugaboo
Persistent irrational fear
A bugaboo is something that causes fear, anxiety, or annoyance—often exaggerated or unfounded.
The word suggests a bogeyman-like worry: Inflation remains the Fed's biggest bugaboo.
It can also mean a recurring source of irritation or complaint: His bugaboo is people who don't use turn signals.
Imaginary childhood terror
- specterGhostly threatening presence
- phantomInsubstantial apparition
- spookApparition or frighten
- goblinMalicious folklore creature
monster · demon · nightmare · haunt · apparition · ghost · fright · terror
Persistent mental attachment
- preoccupationAbsorbing mental focus
- hang-upPersistent emotional obstacle
- pet peevePersonal source of irritation
- hobbyhorsePet subject or toy
idée fixe · neurosis · anxiety · paranoia · phobia · mania · compulsion · worry
Cause of aggravation
- pestHarmful creature or nag
- irritantSource of vexation
- botherTo annoy or disturb
- vexationFrustrated annoyance
aggravation · peeve · gripe · headache · trouble · frustration · exasperation · inconvenience
Foolish or untrue talk
- balderdashSenseless talk or writing
- bunkNonsense or stacked bed
- malarkeyInsincere foolish talk
- poppycockFoolish or meaningless talk
hooey · baloney · twaddle · claptrap · gibberish · codswallop · tommyrot · rubbish
Prophetic indicator
- hexMalevolent incantation
- charmAttractive personal quality
- jinxCurse bringing misfortune
- curseInvoked harm through words
taboo · folk belief · old wives tale · hoodoo · voodoo · evil eye · bad luck · witchcraft
bogeyman
Imaginary childhood terror
goblin · monster · demon · nightmare · haunt · apparition · ghost · fright · terror · dread
fixation
Persistent mental attachment
- preoccupationAbsorbing mental focus
- hang-upPersistent emotional obstacle
- pet peevePersonal source of irritation
hobbyhorse · idée fixe · neurosis · anxiety · paranoia · phobia · mania · compulsion · worry · concern
nuisance
Cause of aggravation
vexation · aggravation · peeve · gripe · headache · trouble · frustration · exasperation · inconvenience · hindrance
hogwash
Foolish or untrue talk
- balderdashSenseless talk or writing
- bunkNonsense or stacked bed
- malarkeyInsincere foolish talk
poppycock · hooey · baloney · twaddle · claptrap · gibberish · codswallop · tommyrot · rubbish · drivel
omen
Prophetic indicator
curse · taboo · folk belief · old wives tale · hoodoo · voodoo · evil eye · bad luck · witchcraft · black cat
- bogeymenbogeyman, closet monster, monster under bed, Krampus, Baba Yaga
- baby strollersstroller, pushchair, buggy, travel system, umbrella stroller
- goblinsgoblin, hobgoblin, redcap, goblin king, kobold
bugaboocomfort
Ease or soothing relief
reassurance · calmness · solace · security · safe haven