Bugbearish

/ˈbʌɡbɛərɪʃ/ adjective

Definition

Having the qualities of a bugbear; causing persistent worry, fear, or annoyance.

Etymology

From bugbear plus the suffix '-ish' (meaning having the quality of), similar to how 'foolish' comes from 'fool.'

Kelly Says

The suffix '-ish' was so productive in creating adjectives that Victorian writers felt free to attach it to virtually any noun, leading to wonderfully expressive but often short-lived words like 'bugbearish.'

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