A phantom, ghost, or frightening creature; often used to scare children, or an imaginary source of fear or trouble.
From Scottish or Northern English dialect, possibly related to Old Norse 'bógeyjan' or similar Germanic roots meaning to frighten. Related to 'bogey' (alternative spelling) and 'bugaboo,' with uncertain ultimate origin but used since at least the 16th century.
The word 'bogy' jumped from genuine folklore fears (people really did worry about supernatural beings in dark forests) to parental tool for behavior control—language shows us how fear was weaponized in education!
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