Varmint: meaning, definitions and examples
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varmint
[ˈvɑːrmɪnt ]
Definitions
wildlife
An animal considered a pest, especially one that causes damage to crops or livestock.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| varmint |
Duplicate entry. See first entry for details. |
| pest |
Commonly used to describe an animal, insect, or sometimes a person that is disruptive or harmful, often in an everyday or casual context. Frequently refers to insects or small animals.
|
| nuisance |
Used to describe something or someone causing inconvenience or annoyance, with a slightly formal tone. It can refer to both people and things.
|
| vermin |
Used to describe small animals or insects that are harmful and difficult to control, often in a more formal or serious tone. It can be used with a negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- The farmers set traps to catch the varmints destroying their cornfields.
- The varmint population has been increasing in the region, posing a threat to the local ecosystem.
informal
A troublesome or mischievous person, especially a child.
Synonyms
rascal, scoundrel, troublemaker.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| varmint |
Used to describe an animal, usually one that is troublesome or causes damage. Also can refer to a troublesome person in a humorous or old-fashioned way.
|
| rascal |
Refers to a person, especially a child, who behaves mischievously but not with bad intentions. It is often used in a playful or affectionate way.
|
| scoundrel |
Describes a person who behaves in a dishonest or disreputable manner. This term has a negative connotation.
|
| troublemaker |
Used for a person who habitually causes trouble or problems, often disruptive or unruly behavior. It can be either a mildly negative or neutral term.
|
Examples of usage
- Tommy can be a little varmint when he's in a mischievous mood.
- The young varmints were causing chaos in the school playground.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the combination of 'vermin' and 'foul', originally referring to small animals that were unwanted.
- It was first used in the early 19th century in the United States, often to describe animals that were pests to crops or livestock.
- Though it primarily indicates nuisance animals, it can also reflect the human feelings toward these creatures.
Pop Culture
- In American folklore, the word is often associated with characters who are mischievous or cunning, reflecting their behavior.
- Animated films frequently depict varmints as characters that cause trouble, like sneaky raccoons or clever squirrels.
- The term has been used in various Western films or cartoons, often illustrating the struggles of ranchers or farmers against these pests.
Literature
- In classic works, the term is used to highlight characters' interactions with nature and the constant struggle against 'nature's nuisances'.
- Authors like Mark Twain referenced varmints to convey themes of survival and the human-animal conflict.
- The portrayal of these creatures can vary, from being entirely villainous to misunderstood characters that reflect societal issues.
Ecology
- While often seen as nuisances, many varmints play important roles in their ecosystems, contributing to the food chain.
- Animals labeled as varmints, like raccoons or squirrels, have adaptive behaviors that allow them to thrive in urban settings.
- Management practices for pest control often highlight the balance of preserving biodiversity while managing pest populations.
Psychology
- The perception of certain animals as 'varmints' reveals human biases towards nature, often leading to fear or intolerance.
- Studies show that people's attitudes toward these creatures can impact wildlife conservation efforts and humane treatment.
- Understanding the role of varmints in human culture can highlight broader themes of coexistence and compassion.
Translations
Translations of the word "varmint" in other languages:
🇵🇹 praga
🇮🇳 कीट
🇩🇪 Schädling
🇮🇩 hama
🇺🇦 шкідник
🇵🇱 szkodnik
🇯🇵 害虫 (がいちゅう)
🇫🇷 vermine
🇪🇸 alimaña
🇹🇷 haşere
🇰🇷 해충 (hae-chung)
🇸🇦 آفة
🇨🇿 škůdce
🇸🇰 škodca
🇨🇳 害虫 (hàichóng)
🇸🇮 škodljivec
🇮🇸 skaðvaldur
🇰🇿 зиянкес
🇬🇪 მავნებელი
🇦🇿 zərərverici
🇲🇽 alimaña