menninkäinen — meaning in English

English meaning

• bugbear noun An ongoing problem; a recurring obstacle or adversity.
• hobgoblin noun A small, ugly goblin that makes trouble for humans.

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 An ongoing problem; a recurring obstacle or adversity.
2. noun A source of dread; resentment; or irritation.
3. noun A generic creature, often described as a large goblin, meant to inspire fear in children.

hobgoblin — full definition

1. noun A small, ugly goblin that makes trouble for humans.
2. noun A source of dread, fear or apprehension; a bugbear.

Related Finnish words