bogey2

 
Pronunciation: /ˈbəʊgi/
(also bogy)

noun (plural bogeys)

  • 1an evil or mischievous spirit: bogeys and other unpleasant denizens of the night
  • a person or thing that causes fear or alarm: the bogey of recession
  • US military slang an enemy aircraft.
  • 2British informal a piece of nasal mucus.

Origin:

mid 19th century (as a proper name applied to the Devil): of unknown origin; probably related to bogle