boo man

• Format: Manuscript
• Language: English
• Published: 1972
• Subjects: English language > Dialects > Newfoundland and Labrador; Bell Island; Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://collections.mun.ca/cdm/ref/collection/elrcdne/id/8540

boo n A81.99. When my mother was a child she informs me that when she or others of her brothers or sisters were naughty, they were told the Boo-man would come and take them. If they were not allowed to go in certain places, they were told there was a Boo-man there. The Boo-man was also used to get children to go to sleep. (St. John's) Q67-327. A81.100. In Petty Harbour, if the word "Boo Man" was mentioned, children were immediately petrified with fear. The Boo Man was said to live out in the night, ready to take any child who went out alone. (Petty Harbour) Q67-1295. A81.101. The Boo-man was used to threaten children to get them in before dark. If they were out after dark, the Boo-man would catch them, at a certain place, and take them away. It was usually effective. (Clarke's Beach) Q67-815. A81.102. If I attempted to disobey, or to go somewhere that was forbidden to me, I was told the Boo Man would surely take me. This Boo Man was a frightening image, and I could never turn a corner but I felt that a big hand was going to reach out and grab me. (Bell Island) Q63B. (card (F) pp 309-11 unused (PTO) p.312 Used I and Sup Used I and Sup 4 Not used See B_13517 for reverse.