Bogeyman

The bogeyman (also sometimes spelled boogeyman, boogeyman, or boogieman) is a mythical creature, typically portrayed as a monster or spirit that children are warned about to discourage them from misbehaving. The bogeyman's characteristics vary widely by culture and are often undefined, allowing parents and caregivers to tailor the threat to specific behaviors. Commonly, the bogeyman is said to come at night, often lurking in closets or under beds, and to snatch or punish disobedient children. This figure taps into primal fears of the dark, the unknown, and potential harm. The concept serves as a tool for discipline and can be a source of childhood anxiety, though it can also inspire imaginative play or serve as a narrative device in storytelling.

Bogeyman meaning with examples

• Little Timmy wouldn't go to sleep, so his mother warned him about the bogeyman who would come out of the closet if he wasn't in bed by nine. The fear immediately made him jump into his blankets and he quickly drifted off. As Timmy got older he would often attribute his fear of the dark to the boogeyman that his mother had taught him about.
• The politician's opponent was painted as a bogeyman in the campaign advertisements. He was made out to be a corrupt and dangerous figure to instill fear in voters. The tactic, though aggressive, was effective at swaying opinion. This type of political manipulation can often cause unnecessary fear or concern in the voter.
• During the campfire stories, Sarah described her brother as a 'bogeyman' who would always pull scary pranks on her. The group laughed, understanding the playful use of the term, but her brother pretended to be offended. This playful banter illustrated how 'bogeyman' can be used to exaggerate mischievousness, not always danger.
• In a child's fantasy world, a bogeyman could be a symbol of a daunting task, a fear they need to overcome, or even a perceived authority figure they need to challenge to achieve their goals. Some children might personify their fears as a monster or a scary creature to gain a handle on them.