hobgoblin

The Merriam-Webster Word of the Day for October 31, 2025, is "hobgoblin." A hobgoblin is a mischievous goblin in children's stories, or figuratively, something causing fear or worry. Examples include costumed children on Halloween or a recurring theme in movies. A goblin is traditionally evil, while a hobgoblin is playfully mischievous. The word "hobgoblin" originated in the early 1500s, combining "goblin" and "hob," a nickname for Robert used for clowns and mischievous sprites. Ralph Waldo Emerson used the extended sense of the word in his essay "Self-Reliance." He described "foolish consistency" as the hobgoblin of little minds. Thus, "hobgoblin" can represent both a playful creature and a source of anxiety. Ultimately, its uses extend from folklore to philosophical concepts.