Litterbug: meaning, definitions and examples

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litterbug

 

[ ˈlɪtərbʌg ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

environmental issue

A litterbug is a person who habitually throws litter in public places, contributing to pollution and environmental degradation. This term is often used to describe individuals who lack consideration for their surroundings or the community.

Synonyms

mess-maker, polluter, slob

Examples of usage

  • The park was filled with trash left by litterbugs.
  • We need to educate children about the impact of being a litterbug.
  • Litterbugs often don't realize how their actions affect wildlife.

Translations

Translations of the word "litterbug" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lixo

🇮🇳 कचरा फेंकने वाला

🇩🇪 Müller

🇮🇩 pembuang sampah

🇺🇦 сміттяр

🇵🇱 zaśmieciacz

🇯🇵 ゴミを捨てる人

🇫🇷 pollueur

🇪🇸 tirador de basura

🇹🇷 çöp atan

🇰🇷 쓰레기를 버리는 사람

🇸🇦 مُلقٍ للنفايات

🇨🇿 znečišťovatel

🇸🇰 znečisťovateľ

🇨🇳 乱丢垃圾的人

🇸🇮 onesnaževalec

🇮🇸 ruslaskapur

🇰🇿 қоқыс тастаушы

🇬🇪 კაგრულის გადამყრელი

🇦🇿 tullantı atan

🇲🇽 tirador de basura

Etymology

The term 'litterbug' emerged in the United States during the 1960s as part of a broader environmental movement aimed at reducing pollution. Littering, which refers to the act of throwing waste in public spaces, became a significant concern during this period as urban areas faced growing issues related to waste management. The combination of 'litter', meaning waste or refuse in a public place, and 'bug', which is often used informally to denote a person with a particular habit, created a vivid image of someone who carelessly discards trash. Campaigns to combat littering gained momentum, and the term 'litterbug' was popularized in various public service announcements, reinforcing public awareness about the importance of maintaining clean environments. Today, the word carries a negative connotation and emphasizes the responsibility of individuals to dispose of their waste properly.