bugbear crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome! If you're searching for solutions to the "bugbear crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of answers and explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease. Find the perfect fit, no matter the length!

Solutions for "bugbear crossword clue" by Letter Count

4 Letters

PEST: A minor annoyance, often associated with a 'bug'.

5 Letters

WORRY: A state of anxiety or concern about actual or potential problems.

6 Letters

PLAGUE: Something that causes continuous trouble or distress.

7 Letters

SCOURGE: A person or thing that causes great trouble or suffering.

8 Letters

BOGEYMAN: A source of irrational fear or a recurring problem.

9 Letters

ANNOYANCE: Something that irritates or is a source of bother.

NIGHTMARE: A dreaded problem or situation, often used metaphorically.

HINDRANCE: Something that impedes progress or causes difficulty.

More About "bugbear crossword clue"

The term "bugbear" refers to something that causes an irrational fear or a source of dread and annoyance. Originating from folklore, where a 'bug' might mean a phantom or goblin and 'bear' a terrifying beast, it has evolved to describe any recurring problem or subject of obsessive worry. In crosswords, clues like "bugbear" often point to words signifying an irritation, a nuisance, or a significant problem, testing a solver's vocabulary around concepts of fear, annoyance, or an impediment. Understanding the nuances of this word can unlock many related crossword answers.

Often, crossword setters use "bugbear" to hint at words that describe a persistent source of trouble or a pet peeve. This can include anything from minor annoyances to major obstacles or phobias. Recognizing this clue's potential to mean both a small irritation and a large, abstract fear is key to finding the correct solution. Common synonyms like "nuisance," "affliction," or "torment" are frequent answers, depending on the number of letters required.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the origin of the word "bugbear"?

The term "bugbear" derives from 16th-century English, combining "bug" (meaning a frightening spectre or goblin) and "bear" (referring to a terrifying animal). Together, it described a terrifying phantom or monster used to frighten children, evolving into its current meaning of an object of dread or a source of annoyance.

Can "bugbear" have different meanings in crosswords?

Yes, "bugbear" in crosswords often refers to something that is a source of persistent annoyance, an object of dread, or a recurring problem. Depending on the puzzle's difficulty and style, answers can range from simple nuisances like "PEST" to more abstract fears like "NIGHTMARE" or challenges like "HINDRANCE." Always consider the number of letters and any intersecting words.

How do I identify if "bugbear" is an anagram clue?

While "bugbear" itself isn't typically an anagram indicator, if the clue uses a word like "mixed," "scrambled," "rearranged," or "confused" along with "bugbear," then it might be an anagram. For example, "A mixed bugbear" might clue an anagram of its letters, though this is less common for a single-word clue like "bugbear." Always look for the specific anagram indicator words within the clue.