Top 38 Slang For Insect – Meaning & Usage

Insects may be small, but they have a big impact on our world. From buzzworthy bees to creepy crawly spiders, we encounter these critters all around us. Curious about the slang terms we use to talk about these fascinating creatures? Join us as we uncover the most popular and intriguing slang for insects that will have you buzzing with excitement!

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1. Bug

A general term used to refer to any small, crawling or flying creature, typically with six legs and sometimes with wings. “Bug” is a colloquial term often used to describe various types of insects.

  • For example, “There’s a bug in my room!”
  • A person might say, “I saw a weird bug with bright colors in the garden.”
  • Another might exclaim, “Ew, there’s a bug in my salad!”

2. Creepy-crawly

A slang term used to describe any small creature that moves in a way that is perceived as creepy or crawly. It is often used to refer to insects or other small arthropods.

  • For instance, “I don’t like creepy-crawlies in my house.”
  • A person might say, “There’s a creepy-crawly on the wall!”
  • Another might exclaim, “I hate stepping on creepy-crawlies in the dark!”

3. Critter

A colloquial term used to refer to any small creature, often used to describe insects, spiders, or other small animals. “Critter” is a versatile term that can apply to a wide range of creatures.

  • For example, “Look at that critter crawling on the ground!”
  • A person might say, “I found a critter in my garden today.”
  • Another might comment, “Critters like ants and spiders are common in this area.”

4. Crawler

A slang term used to describe any insect or small creature that moves by crawling. “Crawler” is often used to refer to insects that are typically found on the ground or surfaces.

  • For instance, “There are crawlers all over the backyard.”
  • A person might say, “I saw a crawler in the kitchen.”
  • Another might comment, “Watch out for crawlers in the grass.”

5. Pest

A term used to describe any insect or small creature that is considered bothersome or annoying, often due to their ability to cause damage or spread diseases. “Pest” is a broad term that encompasses various insects and other small organisms.

  • For example, “There’s a pest infestation in the house.”
  • A person might say, “I need to get rid of these pests in my garden.”
  • Another might comment, “Pests like mosquitoes can ruin a picnic.”

6. Roach

This term is used to refer to a type of insect known as a cockroach. It is often used in a derogatory or negative manner.

  • For example, someone might say, “I saw a roach in my kitchen and freaked out.”
  • In a discussion about pests, one might mention, “Roaches can be difficult to get rid of once they infest a home.”
  • A person expressing disgust might exclaim, “Ew, there’s a roach crawling on the wall!”

7. Mozzie

This term is used to refer to a mosquito, which is a small flying insect known for its irritating bites.

  • For instance, someone might say, “I got bitten by a mozzie while camping.”
  • In a conversation about bug repellent, one might ask, “Does this spray work against mozzies?”
  • A person complaining about mosquito bites might say, “I can’t stand these mozzies, they’re driving me crazy!”

8. Skeeter

This term is another colloquial way of referring to a mosquito, similar to “mozzie”.

  • For example, someone might say, “I got a bunch of skeeter bites at the lake.”
  • In a discussion about insect-borne diseases, one might mention, “Skeeters are carriers of diseases like malaria and dengue.”
  • A person expressing annoyance might say, “I can’t enjoy the outdoors without being attacked by skeeters!”

9. Antsy

While not directly related to insects, the term “antsy” is often used to describe a feeling of restlessness or nervousness, similar to how ants are constantly moving.

  • For instance, someone might say, “I’m feeling antsy waiting for the test results.”
  • In a conversation about impatience, one might say, “I get antsy when I have to wait for too long.”
  • A person describing their state of mind might say, “I’ve been feeling antsy all day, I can’t sit still!”

10. Bee’s knees

This term is used to describe something or someone as being excellent or outstanding, similar to how bees’ knees are seen as a valuable and important part of their body.

  • For example, someone might say, “That new restaurant is the bee’s knees, you have to try it.”
  • In a discussion about a great performance, one might say, “The actor’s portrayal was the bee’s knees.”
  • A person expressing admiration might say, “Your outfit is the bee’s knees, you look fantastic!”

11. Fly

A fly is a small insect with two wings that is known for buzzing around and being a nuisance. It is often associated with filth and can be found in various environments.

  • For example, “There’s a fly in the kitchen, and it’s driving me crazy.”
  • In a discussion about annoying insects, someone might say, “Flies are so annoying, especially when they land on your food.”
  • A person might use the phrase, “I feel like a fly on the wall,” to describe being unnoticed or observing a situation without being involved.
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12. Buzzy

Buzzy is a slang term used to describe something that is full of energy or excitement. It can also be used to describe a person who is talkative or animated.

  • For instance, “The party was so buzzy, with music and laughter filling the air.”
  • In a conversation about a lively atmosphere, someone might say, “The club was really buzzy last night, with people dancing and having a great time.”
  • A person might describe a friend as “always buzzing with energy and enthusiasm.”

13. Ladybug

A ladybug is a small beetle known for its brightly colored body and black spots. It is often considered a symbol of good luck and is admired for its beauty.

  • For example, “Look at that adorable ladybug crawling on the flower.”
  • In a discussion about gardening, someone might say, “Ladybugs are beneficial insects because they eat aphids, which can damage plants.”
  • A person might use the phrase, “I feel like a ladybug in a garden,” to describe feeling small and insignificant in a large and busy environment.

14. Hopper

A hopper is a slang term used to refer to an insect that jumps or hops. It is often used to describe grasshoppers or other similar insects.

  • For instance, “Watch out for those hoppers in the grass, they can startle you.”
  • In a conversation about insects, someone might say, “Hoppers are fascinating creatures with their ability to jump long distances.”
  • A person might use the phrase, “As quick as a hopper,” to describe someone who is fast or agile.

15. Stinger

A stinger is a term used to describe an insect that has a sharp organ, such as a bee or a wasp, which it uses to defend itself or attack. It is often associated with pain and can cause discomfort if it comes into contact with human skin.

  • For example, “Be careful around that beehive, those bees have a powerful stinger.”
  • In a discussion about insect bites, someone might say, “I got stung by a wasp and the stinger was still in my skin.”
  • A person might use the phrase, “You don’t want to mess with that bug, it’s got a mean stinger,” to describe a potentially dangerous insect.

16. Web-spinner

This term refers to a type of insect that belongs to the order Araneae. Spiders are known for their ability to spin webs to catch prey and create shelters.

  • For example, “Look at that web-spinner hanging from the ceiling.”
  • In a discussion about arachnids, one might say, “Spiders are fascinating web-spinners.”
  • A person might exclaim, “I saw a huge web-spinner in my garden today!”

17. Gnat

A gnat is a small flying insect that belongs to the suborder Nematocera. They are often found near bodies of water and can be a nuisance to humans.

  • For instance, “There are gnats buzzing around my face.”
  • In a conversation about annoying insects, one might say, “I can’t stand those tiny flies, like gnats.”
  • A person might complain, “Gnats always seem to find their way into my house.”

18. Beetle

Beetles are a type of insect that belongs to the order Coleoptera. They are characterized by their hard outer wing cases and chewing mouthparts.

  • For example, “Look at that shiny beetle crawling on the ground.”
  • In a discussion about insects, one might say, “Beetles are one of the most diverse groups of bugs.”
  • A person might ask, “Do you know what kind of beetle this is?”

19. Weevil

A weevil is a type of beetle that belongs to the superfamily Curculionoidea. They are known for their elongated snouts and are often considered pests because they feed on crops.

  • For instance, “Farmers are struggling to control the weevil population.”
  • In a conversation about agricultural pests, one might say, “Weevils can cause significant damage to crops.”
  • A person might ask, “How can we prevent weevils from infesting our garden?”

20. Hornet

Hornets are large wasps that belong to the genus Vespa. They are known for their aggressive behavior and powerful stings.

  • For example, “Watch out for that hornet flying towards us!”
  • In a discussion about stinging insects, one might say, “Hornets are some of the most fearsome insects.”
  • A person might warn, “If you see a hornet nest, stay away and call a professional.”

21. Earwig

An earwig is a small insect with pincers on its abdomen. They are known for their ability to crawl into small spaces, including human ears, hence the name “earwig”.

  • For example, “I found an earwig in my garden and it gave me a fright.”
  • A person might say, “I hate earwigs, they always seem to find their way into my house.”
  • Another might comment, “I heard that earwigs are actually beneficial insects because they eat other pests in the garden.”

22. Daddy longlegs

A daddy longlegs is a type of arachnid with long, thin legs and a small body. They are commonly found in gardens and are known for their delicate appearance.

  • For instance, “I saw a daddy longlegs crawling on the wall.”
  • A person might say, “Daddy longlegs are harmless and actually help control other insect populations.”
  • Another might comment, “I always thought daddy longlegs were spiders, but they’re actually a different type of arachnid.”

23. Silverfish

A silverfish is a small, wingless insect that is silver in color and has a fish-like appearance. They are known for their ability to move quickly and their preference for dark, damp environments.

  • For example, “I found a silverfish in my bathroom.”
  • A person might say, “Silverfish are attracted to paper and can cause damage to books and documents.”
  • Another might comment, “I hate silverfish, they always seem to show up in my basement.”

24. June bug

A June bug is a type of beetle that is active during the month of June. They are known for their loud buzzing sound and clumsy flying.

  • For instance, “I saw a June bug flying around the porch.”
  • A person might say, “June bugs are attracted to light and often gather around outdoor lights at night.”
  • Another might comment, “I remember catching June bugs as a kid and putting them in a jar.”

25. Firefly

A firefly is a small insect known for its ability to produce light through bioluminescence. They are often found in grassy areas and are most active during the summer months.

  • For example, “I saw a firefly glowing in the backyard.”
  • A person might say, “Fireflies use their light to attract mates and communicate with each other.”
  • Another might comment, “Watching fireflies light up the night sky is one of the joys of summer.”

26. Termite

A small, pale soft-bodied insect that lives in large colonies and feeds on wood, often causing damage to buildings or wooden structures. The term “woodworm” is sometimes used interchangeably with “termite”.

  • For example, “We discovered that our house had a termite infestation.”
  • A homeowner might say, “I need to call an exterminator to get rid of these woodworms.”
  • In a conversation about home repairs, someone might ask, “Have you ever dealt with a termite problem?”

27. Buzz

A buzzing sound made by an insect, often associated with bees or other flying insects. The term “buzz” can also be used metaphorically to describe a feeling of excitement or energy.

  • For instance, “I heard a buzz coming from the beehive.”
  • A person might say, “I love the buzz of anticipation before a big event.”
  • In a discussion about popular trends, someone might mention, “There’s a lot of buzz around this new movie.”

28. Webby

Covered in or resembling a cobweb, which is a network of fine threads woven by spiders. The term “webby” can also describe something that is sticky or tangled.

  • For example, “The abandoned house was filled with dusty, webby corners.”
  • A person might say, “I walked through a webby area and got spider silk all over my face.”
  • In a conversation about cleaning, someone might complain, “I can never seem to get rid of all the webby corners in my basement.”

29. Midge

A small, fragile flying insect that resembles a mosquito but does not bite. The term “midge” is often used interchangeably with “gnat”.

  • For instance, “There were so many midges flying around the lake.”
  • A person might say, “I got a gnat in my eye while hiking.”
  • In a discussion about outdoor activities, someone might ask, “How do you deal with all the midges when camping?”

30. Wasp

A winged insect with a slender body and a narrow waist, often known for its ability to sting. The term “wasp” is sometimes used metaphorically to describe a person who is aggressive or quick-tempered.

  • For example, “I was stung by a wasp while gardening.”
  • A person might say, “Watch out for that wasp nest in the tree.”
  • In a conversation about personality traits, someone might describe a friend as, “She can be a real wasp when she’s angry.”

31. Cicada

A type of insect known for its distinctive song, produced by the male’s vibrating membranes. Cicadas are often associated with the summertime and their loud buzzing can be heard in many regions.

  • For example, “I love sitting outside in the evening and listening to the cicadas sing.”
  • In a discussion about nature, someone might mention, “Cicadas are fascinating creatures that spend most of their lives underground.”
  • A person reminiscing about childhood might say, “I used to collect cicada shells and stick them to my shirt.”

32. Grasshopper

A type of insect known for its ability to jump long distances with its powerful hind legs. Grasshoppers are often found in grassy areas and are known for their distinctive chirping sound.

  • For instance, “Look at that grasshopper hopping through the field.”
  • In a conversation about gardening, someone might say, “Grasshoppers can be a pest and eat up all your plants.”
  • A person discussing insect behavior might mention, “Grasshoppers undergo incomplete metamorphosis, meaning they don’t have a pupal stage like butterflies do.”

33. Flea

A small, wingless insect known for its ability to jump long distances. Fleas are often found on animals and can cause itching and discomfort.

  • For example, “My dog has fleas and it’s been a constant battle to get rid of them.”
  • In a discussion about pests, someone might say, “Fleas can be a real nuisance, especially if you have pets.”
  • A person sharing a personal experience might mention, “I once got bitten by a flea and it was incredibly itchy.”

34. Tick

A small arachnid that feeds on the blood of animals and humans. Ticks are known for their ability to transmit diseases, making them a concern for outdoor enthusiasts.

  • For instance, “I found a tick on my leg after hiking in the woods.”
  • In a conversation about tick prevention, someone might say, “Make sure to check yourself for ticks after spending time outdoors.”
  • A person discussing the dangers of ticks might mention, “Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, so it’s important to be vigilant.”

35. Louse

A small, parasitic insect that infests the hair or feathers of animals and humans. Lice are known for causing itching and discomfort.

  • For example, “My child came home from school with lice and we had to treat the whole family.”
  • In a discussion about hygiene, someone might say, “Lice are often spread through close contact or sharing personal items.”
  • A person sharing a personal experience might mention, “I once had lice as a child and it was a nightmare trying to get rid of them.”

36. Dragonfly

This term refers to a type of insect with a long body and four wings that are typically transparent. Dragonflies are known for their agile flight and ability to hover in place.

  • For example, “Look at that dragonfly darting around the pond.”
  • A nature enthusiast might say, “Dragonflies are beneficial insects because they eat mosquitoes.”
  • In a discussion about insects, someone might mention, “Dragonflies have been around for millions of years and are excellent hunters.”

37. Stinkbug

This is a type of insect that emits a foul odor when disturbed or threatened. Stinkbugs have a distinctive shield-shaped body and can be found in various colors and patterns.

  • For instance, “I accidentally squished a stinkbug, and the smell was terrible.”
  • A gardener might say, “Stinkbugs can be a nuisance because they feed on crops.”
  • In a conversation about insects, someone might ask, “Have you ever encountered a stinkbug? They’re quite common in this area.”

38. Aphid

Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can be found in a variety of colors and are known for reproducing rapidly. Aphids are considered pests in agriculture and gardening.

  • For example, “My roses are infested with aphids, and they’re damaging the leaves.”
  • A horticulturist might say, “Aphids can be controlled using natural predators like ladybugs.”
  • In a discussion about plant health, someone might mention, “Aphids can transmit diseases to plants, so it’s important to monitor for infestations.”