Bugaboo/ˈbʌɡəbuː/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Imaginary Fears Use 'bugaboo' to express a fear or worry that might not even be real. I realized that the ghost stories were just a bugaboo. Pro Tip 2/3Psychological Barriers In personal growth, 'bugaboo' can symbolize non-physical obstacles you want to conquer. Public speaking used to be my bugaboo, but not anymore. Pro Tip 3/3Colloquial Nuance 'Bugaboo' is casual, suited for everyday conversations, not formal documents. Let's not turn this issue into a bugaboo; it's solvable.