bug out

English

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.

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

Verb

bug out (third-person singular simple present bugs out, present participle bugging out, simple past and past participle bugged out)

1. (slang, intransitive, originally military) To leave (a place) hastily.
   • 2004 November 9, Bungie, Halo 2, spoken by Miranda Keyes (Julie Benz), Microsoft Game Studios, Xbox, level/area: Metropolis:

     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. (slang, intransitive) To abandon someone without warning.

   I'm not gonna bug out on you, I promise.

3. (slang, intransitive) To miss school, play truant, play hooky.

   I go to Stockton High, but normally I bug out.

4. (slang, transitive, of one's eyes) To cause to bulge.

   Kim Goodman holds the world record for bugging out her eyes.

5. (slang, intransitive, of eyes) To bulge; to protrude.

   The 3D imagery will make your eyes bug out.

6. (slang, intransitive) To freak out, to go crazy, e.g. from worry.
   • 2006 September 26, L. Divine, Drama High: The Fight, Dafina Young Adult, →ISBN:

     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 […]

   • 2012 November 13, 50 Cent, Laura Moser, Playground, Penguin, →ISBN, page 89:

     "That's 'cause I'm taking the train into the city right now," I said, "and she's bugging out about my missing it."

7. (intransitive, slang, computing) To crash or glitch.

   My PC keeps bugging out and rebooting for no reason.

Derived terms

• bug-out bag

Noun

bug out (plural bug outs)

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

Synonyms

• retreat

Related terms

• bug-out bag

References