bugbear
UK[ˈbʌɡbeə(r)]US[ˈbʌɡber]
n
a source of obsessive fear, anxiety, or irritation
n
an imaginary creature used to frighten children
Morpheme Breakdown
bug
bear
bug
bear
Etymology
the word 'bugbear' is a compound formed in the late 16th century, originally referring to a type of hobgoblin imagined in the form of a bear, used to frighten disobedient children. its first element, 'bug,' derives from middle english and is related to terms for specters or objects of terror, such as the welsh 'bwg' (ghost) and possibly the scottish 'bogle.' the second element, 'bear,' solidifies the creature's monstrous, bestial nature. over time, the term's meaning evolved from a literal folkloric monster to a metaphorical one, representing any persistent source of dread or annoyance, thus transitioning from a concrete nursery fright to an abstract psychological concept.
Analysis
Structure: bug + bear
bug (middle english, origin uncertain, possibly from welsh 'bwg' meaning ghost or hobgoblin; functional role: base noun denoting a frightening creature) + bear (old english 'bera'; functional role: noun, the animal, used here to compound the image of a frightening beast)
Examples
for many students, public speaking is a major bugbear.
the old legend described the bugbear as a hairy creature that lurked in the woods.
bureaucratic red tape is a constant bugbear for small business owners.