General
bug out
What does bug out mean?
To leave hastily, often to escape something.
"The cats bugged out when the landlord came knocking."
Origin
Entered American slang via the Korean War (early 1950s), where 'bug out' meant a hasty military retreat. It crossed into civilian and beat speech meaning to panic or take off, fitting the era's restless mood.
Frequently asked questions
What does bug out mean in slang?
It means to panic or freak out — or to flee hastily. 'Don't bug out' meant don't lose your cool.
Where did bug out come from?
From early-1950s Korean War military slang for a hasty retreat. It crossed into civilian and beat speech meaning to panic or bolt.
Is bug out still used?
Yes — it survives in both the 'panic' sense and the 'flee' sense, and 'bug-out bag' for emergency gear keeps the original retreat meaning alive.
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