Earwig

/ˈɪrwɪɡ/
noun

A type of small insect that has a narrow body and curved pincers on its rear end.

I saw an earwig crawling on the tree trunk yesterday.
Visual representation of "earwig" - A type of small insect that has a narrow body and curved pincers on its rear end.

Often appears as...

  • find an earwig
  • kill an earwig
verb

To influence or bias a person by insinuations or private conversation.

She tried to earwig the judge, but he was not swayed by her arguments.
Visual representation of "earwig" - To influence or bias a person by insinuations or private conversation.

Often appears as...

  • earwig someone
  • earwig about something

Usage tips

Disapproving

noun

A type of small insect that has a narrow body and curved pincers on its rear end.

I saw an earwig crawling on the tree trunk yesterday.
Visual representation of "earwig" - A type of small insect that has a narrow body and curved pincers on its rear end.

Often appears as...

  • find an earwig
  • kill an earwig
verb

To influence or bias a person by insinuations or private conversation.

She tried to earwig the judge, but he was not swayed by her arguments.
Visual representation of "earwig" - To influence or bias a person by insinuations or private conversation.

Often appears as...

  • earwig someone
  • earwig about something

Usage tips

Disapproving

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "earwig"
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Misleading Name

Despite its name, an earwig won't crawl into your ear; that's an old myth.

Illustration for Misleading Name
No need to fear, an earwig prefers damp areas rather than human ears.
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Physical Traits

Identify earwigs by their pincers; not all insects with pincers are earwigs.

Illustration for Physical Traits
Observe the earwig's narrow body and pincers, which are unique to them.
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Natural Habitat

Earwigs are often found in moist environments, like under logs or stones.

Illustration for Natural Habitat
While gardening, I lifted a rock and discovered several earwigs beneath.
Visual representation of the word "Earwig"

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Video examples

The birds and the bees...

There are some more primitive ways of pleasing one's partner. Earwig males have either really large penile appendages or really small ones. It's a very simple genetically inherited trait and the males are not otherwise any different. Those that have long penile appendages

Video examples

Mysteries of vernacular:...

crawl into your ear at night and tunnel into your brain, but this is false. Sure, an earwig may, on rare occasion, climb into the ear of an unsuspecting sleeper, but, really, who can blame them? Ear canals are warm and dark,

Video examples

The birds and the bees...

There are some more primitive ways of pleasing one's partner. Earwig males have either really large penile appendages or really small ones. It's a very simple genetically inherited trait and the males are not otherwise any different. Those that have long penile appendages

Video examples

Mysteries of vernacular:...

crawl into your ear at night and tunnel into your brain, but this is false. Sure, an earwig may, on rare occasion, climb into the ear of an unsuspecting sleeper, but, really, who can blame them? Ear canals are warm and dark,

Example 1 of 2
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