A bogey is a type of horrible evil spirits or hobgoblins, travelling alone or in groups, that love to make mischief. Bogies go by various other names, the most common of which are Bogey-Man, Boogie-Man, Bug-a-boo, Boo, Bugbear, Bock, Boggart and Bogey-beast. Bogies are recognized in other cultures by still other names. They sometimes are synonymous with the Devil. In Wales, the bogey is called a bug (ghost), in Scotland a bogle and in Germany a Boggelmann. The Irish puca is similar. No matter where it is found, the bogey is usually big and black, typically does its work at night, and scares children. In past generations, the threat of calling upon bogies was used to frighten children into good behaviour.
FURTHER READING:
- Briggs, Katherine. An Encyclopedia of Fairies: Hobgoblins – Brownies – Bogies and Other Supernatural Creatures. New York: Pantheon Books, 1976.
SOURCE:
The Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits– Written by Rosemary Ellen Guiley – September 1, 2007