ˈbu̇gēˌman, ˈbüg-, ˈbōg-, -gə̇ˌ-, -ma(a)(ə)n also _mən noun
or boo·ger·man -gə(r)ˌ- ; also boo·gie·man -gēˌ-, -gə̇ˌ-
( plural boogeymen or boogermen also boogiemen )
Etymology: boogey, boogie (alteration of booger ) (II) or booger (I) + man
dialect : a monstrous imaginary figure used in threatening children
be good or the boogeyman will get you