1. plural of boogeyman; imaginary evil creatures or monsters used to frighten children
Usage: informal; often used in children's contexts
2. people or groups blamed for problems or used as scapegoats
Usage: figurative

Examples

• Parents sometimes tell their children about boogermen to encourage good behavior.
• The boogermen under the bed turned out to be just shadows and old toys.
• Politicians often use boogermen to distract voters from real issues.
• He was afraid of the boogermen in the dark hallway.
• The media portrayed the rival team as boogermen before the championship game.
• Children's nightmares are sometimes filled with imaginary boogermen.