Bugbear vs. Hobgoblin — What's the Difference?

A bugbear is a legendary creature or type of hobgoblin comparable to the boogeyman (or bugaboo or babau or cucuy), and other creatures of folklore, all of which were historically used in some cultures to frighten disobedient children.

A hobgoblin is a spirit (creature) of the hearth, typically appearing in folklore, once considered helpful but since the spread of Christianity has often been considered mischievous. Shakespeare identifies the character of Puck in his A Midsummer Night's Dream as a hobgoblin.

A cause of fear, anxiety, or irritation

An ugly, mischievous elf or goblin.

A difficult or persistent problem

An object or a source of fear, dread, or harassment; a bugbear

A fearsome imaginary creature, especially one evoked to frighten children.

A small, ugly goblin that makes trouble for humans.

An ongoing problem; a recurring obstacle or adversity.

(by extension) A source of dread, fear or apprehension; a bugbear.

A source of dread; resentment; or irritation.

A frightful goblin; an imp; a bugaboo; also, a name formerly given to the household spirit, Robin Goodfellow.

(archaic) An imaginary creature meant to inspire fear in children.

(folklore) a small grotesque supernatural creature that makes trouble for human beings

(transitive) To alarm with idle phantoms.

An object of dread or apprehension;

Same as Bugaboo.

To alarm with idle phantoms.

An imaginary monster used to frighten children

An object of dread or apprehension;