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Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

bug out en · NOUN

Pronunciation

Etymology

Attested 1950, popularized in the Korean War (1950–53) in such phrases as “bug-out fever” (rout) and “the big bug out” (November/December 1950 retreat) and entered civilian slang by mid 1950s. Likely originated in World War II, perhaps based on 1930s cartoons featuring bugs fleeing an impending foot or boot. Ultimately based on the rapid, disorderly flight of bugs when discovered, particularly their scattering if several are discovered at once, such as under a rock or can. Compare chicken out and roach out.

Meanings

  1. (slang) A rapid retreat, a rout.

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
bug outs Number=Plur lexicographic

Synonyms

retreat

wikipedia: Korean War · wikipedia: World War II

bug out en · VERB

Pronunciation

Etymology

Attested 1950, popularized in the Korean War (1950–53) in such phrases as “bug-out fever” (rout) and “the big bug out” (November/December 1950 retreat) and entered civilian slang by mid 1950s. Likely originated in World War II, perhaps based on 1930s cartoons featuring bugs fleeing an impending foot or boot. Ultimately based on the rapid, disorderly flight of bugs when discovered, particularly their scattering if several are discovered at once, such as under a rock or can. Compare chicken out and roach out.

Meanings

  1. (intransitive, slang) To leave (a place) hastily.
    • It's time I bugged out of this town: it ain't safe no more.
    • Sir, the Prophet is bugging out. Request permission to engage! 2004 November 9, Bungie, Halo 2, spoken by Miranda Keyes (Julie Benz), Microsoft Game Studios, Xbox, level/area: Metropolis:
  2. (intransitive, slang) To leave (a place) hastily. ▸ To abandon someone without warning.
    • I'm not gonna bug out on you, I promise.
  3. (intransitive, slang) To leave (a place) hastily. ▸ To miss school, play truant, play hooky.
    • I go to Stockton High, but normally I bug out.
  4. (intransitive, slang) To leave (a place) hastily. ▸ To leave civilization to live off the grid; to escape an apocalypse or emergency by leaving the area.
    • When it all goes down, you're gonna want to bug out.
  5. (of one's eyes, slang, transitive) To cause to bulge.
    • Kim Goodman holds the world record for bugging out her eyes.
  6. (intransitive, of eyes, slang) To bulge; to protrude.
    • The 3D imagery will make your eyes bug out.
  7. (intransitive, slang) To freak out, to go crazy, e.g. from worry.
    • She gets her nails done every Friday, so I know she's bugging out by now because her polish has moved up from the cuticle just a tiny bit, indicating that her nails ain't fresh. “Mickey, how the hell I'm just gone walk up to someone and[…] 2006 September 26, L. Divine, Drama High: The Fight, Dafina Young Adult, →ISBN:
    • "That's 'cause I'm taking the train into the city right now," I said, "and she's bugging out about my missing it." 2012 November 13, 50 Cent, Laura Moser, Playground, Penguin, →ISBN, page 89:
  8. (intransitive, slang) To crash or glitch.
    • My PC keeps bugging out and rebooting for no reason.

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
bugged out Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part lexicographic
bugged out Tense=Past lexicographic
bugs out Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres lexicographic
bugging out Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part lexicographic

Antonyms

bug in

Deriveds

bug-out bag

wikipedia: Korean War · wikipedia: World War II