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Bug out

noun, verb, slang

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A rapid retreat, a rout. slang
Verb
  1. 1
    To leave (a place) hastily. intransitive, slang

    "Sir, the Prophet is bugging out. Request permission to engage!"

  2. 2
    bulge outward wordnet
  3. 3
    To leave (a place) hastily.; To abandon someone without warning. intransitive, slang

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

  4. 4
    To leave (a place) hastily.; To miss school, play truant, play hooky. intransitive, slang

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

  5. 5
    To leave (a place) hastily.; To leave civilization to live off the grid; to escape an apocalypse or emergency by leaving the area. intransitive, slang

    "When it all goes down, you're gonna want to bug out."

Show 4 more definitions
  1. 6
    To cause to bulge. slang, transitive

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

  2. 7
    To bulge; to protrude. intransitive, slang

    "The 3D imagery will make your eyes bug out."

  3. 8
    To freak out, to go crazy, e.g. from worry. intransitive, slang

    "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[…]"

  4. 9
    To crash or glitch. intransitive, slang

    "My PC keeps bugging out and rebooting for no reason."

Etymology

Etymology 1

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.

Etymology 2

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.

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