Definition of the word buggy

The word "buggy" has a fascinating etymology. In the mid-17th century, the term "bug" referred to a physical affliction or a witch's curse, often accompanied by feelings of anxiety, fear, or unease. A "buggy" horse was one that was plagued by such an affliction, making it difficult to handle or control. In the early 19th century, the term "buggy" began to be used to describe a light, two-wheeled carriage or cart, often used for short trips or as a children's ride. The connection between the word "buggy" and its earlier meaning is that the carriage's unpredictable movements and rough ride might have been likened to the feeling of being afflicted by a "bug." Over time, the term "buggy" evolved to describe any vehicle with wheels that is small, lightweight, and sometimes chaotic or unpredictable.