Earwigged: meaning, definitions and examples
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earwigged
[ ˈɪəwɪɡ ]
sneaky listening
To earwig is to listen secretly to someone's conversation, often with the intent of eavesdropping. This action is usually done sneakily and without the knowledge of those speaking. It implies a certain level of dishonesty and intrusion into the privacy of others.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She earwigged on her parents' phone call.
- He was caught earwigging during the meeting.
- They thought no one was watching, but she earwigged the whole conversation.
- I always feel uneasy when I realize someone is earwigging.
Translations
Translations of the word "earwigged" in other languages:
🇵🇹 ouvido
🇮🇳 चुपचाप सुना
🇩🇪 lauschen
🇮🇩 mendengarkan diam-diam
🇺🇦 підслуханий
🇵🇱 podsłuchany
🇯🇵 盗み聞きされた
🇫🇷 écouté à l'insu
🇪🇸 escuchado a escondidas
🇹🇷 gizlice dinlenmiş
🇰🇷 몰래 들은
🇸🇦 استمع سراً
🇨🇿 poslouchán
🇸🇰 podsluchaný
🇨🇳 偷听
🇸🇮 prisluškovan
🇮🇸 hlustað
🇰🇿 тыңдалған
🇬🇪 ჩუმად მოსმენილი
🇦🇿 qulaq asılmış
🇲🇽 escuchado a escondidas
Etymology
The word 'earwig' originates from Old English 'earwicga', combining 'ear' and 'wicga', where 'wicga' means insect or creature. The term originally referred to a type of insect, which is believed to creep into the ear of sleeping individuals, hence the connotation of secretive or sneaky behavior. Over time, the term evolved in English to describe the act of eavesdropping or listening intently to conversations without permission. This evolution highlights society's concerns with privacy and the lengths individuals will go to obtain information. The use of the word in modern English often carries a negative connotation, reinforcing societal norms about respecting personal boundaries.