Any of various insects of the order that have elongated bodies, large membranous wings folded underneath short leathery forewings and a pair of large pincers protruding from the rear of the abdomen.
Any of various insects of the order that have elongated bodies, large membranous wings folded underneath short leathery forewings and a pair of large pincers protruding from the rear of the abdomen.
"That's a fine young fellow," said the historiographer of earwigs, to an American who stood next him in the crowd.
Earwig means: Any of various insects of the order that have elongated bodies, large membranous wings folded underneath short leathery forewings and a pair of large pincers protruding from the rear of the abdomen.. 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.
Earwig means: Any of various insects of the order that have elongated bodies, large membranous wings folded underneath short leathery forewings and a pair of large pincers protruding from the rear of the abdomen.. 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.
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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(British, Ireland, colloquial, dated) A telling-off or reprimand.
A British dialect name for an earwig (Forficula auricularia), named for the insect's prominent rear pincers that give it a fighting appearance. The earwig's scientific genus name Forficula refers to its scissor-like appendages. 'Battle-twig' is one of many colorful British dialect names for the earwig.
An attempt to influence by persistent confidential argument or talk.
earwig means: Any of various insects of the order that have elongated bodies, large membranous wings folded underneath short leathery forewings and a pair of large pincers protruding from the. Register: neutral, standard English. 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.
A flatterer.
One who whispers insinuations; a secret counsellor.
The idea was probably strengthened by the earwig′s appearance, with a sharp, pincer-like appendage extending to the rear. However, earwigs are herbivores, and they are no more likely to enter an ear than are ants, bees, flies, or any oth…
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