menninkäinen — meaning in English

English meaning

• bugbear noun A problem that keeps coming back and causes trouble.
• hobgoblin noun A small, unpleasant-looking goblin that causes mischief for people.

Senses

menninkäinen is used for these senses in English:

• bugbear (folklore, fantasy) A generic creature, often described as a large goblin, meant to inspire fear in children.
• hobgoblin A small, ugly goblin that makes trouble for humans. [from 1520s]

bugbear — full definition

1. noun A problem that keeps coming back and causes trouble.
2. noun Something that causes fear, annoyance or lasting resentment.
3. noun An imaginary monster, usually pictured as a large goblin, used to frighten children.

hobgoblin — full definition

1. noun A small, unpleasant-looking goblin that causes mischief for people.
2. noun Something that causes worry or fear, especially without good reason.

Related Finnish words