Bug out means: To cause to bulge.. It is informal slang, fine in casual speech but not suited to formal contexts. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.
bug out
(slang, transitive, of one's eyes) To cause to bulge.
Definitions
US
#1·Apr 26, 2026US
(slang, transitive, of one's eyes) To cause to bulge.
It's time I bugged out of this town: it ain't safe no more.
For parents
Bug out means: To cause to bulge.. It is informal slang, fine in casual speech but not suited to formal contexts. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.
For ESL learners
bug out means: To cause to bulge.. Register: very informal, slang. Suitable only for casual conversation, chat and social media. Do not use in business, academic or news writing. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself.
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US
#2·Apr 26, 2026US
(slang, intransitive, originally, _, military) To leave (a place) hastily.
Sir, the Prophet is bugging out. Request permission to engage!
Origin: 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. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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US
#3·Apr 26, 2026US
(slang, intransitive, of eyes) To bulge; to protrude.
Kim Goodman holds the world record for bugging out her eyes.
Cluster: agreement
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For specific readers
Why is this section here?
Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.
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