Boh (or Boo)

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Boh (or Boo)

A magical word often used to frighten children. Boe is a Greek word synonymous with the Latin Clamor, signifying the English word "cry," and it is possible that the cry of the ox "boo"may have suggested this exclamation, since this sound would quite naturally be very terrifying to a young child. There may be some connection between this monosyllable and the "Bogle-boe" or "bwgwly" of Welsh people. According to one writer, it was the name of a fierce Gothic general whose name like those of other great conquerors was remembered as a word of terror.

(See also Bogey )