bug out

verb

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.

Definitions

1
To leave (a place) hastily.
- Sir, the Prophet is bugging out. Request permission to engage!
- It's time I bugged out of this town: it ain't safe no more.
2
To cause to bulge.
- Kim Goodman holds the world record for bugging out her eyes.
3
To bulge
To bulge; to protrude.
- The 3D imagery will make your eyes bug out.
›+ 3 more definitionsshow fewer
1. 4
  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[…]
  - "That's 'cause I'm taking the train into the city right now," I said, "and she's bugging out about my missing it."
2. 5
  To crash or glitch.
  - My PC keeps bugging out and rebooting for no reason.
3. A rapid retreat, a rout.

The neighborhood

Vish — recursive loop

No curated loop yet for bug out. Loops are being traced one word at a time while the ingestion pipeline matures.

sense glosses and etymology drawn from English Wiktionary · source · CC-BY-SA