Sun, 01 Nov 2026 09:59:39 EST
Hobgoblin
The noun hobgoblin names a dubious source of fear, an imaginary or an exaggerated threat.
Hob is a variant of the name Rob, which is a shortening of Robin or Robert.
A goblin is a mischievous spirit. Goblin derives from the Ancient Greek kobalos, which named a deceitful or an unreliable person. Originally, kobalos named a porter, someone who carried goods. Over time, the meaning changed presumably to reflect the poor reputation of porters. Kobalos is thought to have an pre-Greek origin.
In English folklore, a hobgoblin was a helpful, and then eventually, a mischievous household spirit. In exchange for food, a helpful hobgoblin might perform chores for you while you slept or were absent. A mischievous hobgoblin might hide or break household items while you slept or were absent.