Varmint vs. Vermin

By Jaxson

  • Varmint

    Vermin (colloquially varmint or varmit) are pests or nuisance animals, that spread diseases or destroy crops or livestock. Use of the term implies the need for extermination programs. Since the term is defined in relation to human activities, which species are included vary from area to area and person to person.

    The term derives from the Latin vermis (worm), and was originally used for the worm-like larvae of certain insects, many of which infest foodstuffs. The term varmint (and vermint) has been found in sources from c. 1530–1540s.

  • Vermin

    Vermin (colloquially varmint or varmit) are pests or nuisance animals, that spread diseases or destroy crops or livestock. Use of the term implies the need for extermination programs. Since the term is defined in relation to human activities, which species are included vary from area to area and person to person.

    The term derives from the Latin vermis (worm), and was originally used for the worm-like larvae of certain insects, many of which infest foodstuffs. The term varmint (and vermint) has been found in sources from c. 1530–1540s.

Wikipedia
  • Varmint (noun)

    A pestering animal such as one that kills or harasses a farmer’s livestock or crops.

  • Varmint (noun)

    An obnoxious person or troublemaker.

  • Vermin (noun)

    Any one of various common types of small insects or animals which cause harm and annoyance. from c. 1300

    “The area was plagued by all sorts of vermin: fleas, lice, mice, and rats to name a few.”

  • Vermin (noun)

    Animals that prey on game, such as foxes or weasels.

  • Vermin (noun)

    Obnoxious, or mean and offensive person or people. from 1560s

    “Bring these vermin to the Palace of Justice.”

Wiktionary
  • Varmint (noun)

    a troublesome wild animal.

  • Varmint (noun)

    a troublesome and mischievous person, especially a child.

  • Vermin (noun)

    wild animals that are believed to be harmful to crops, farm animals, or game, or which carry disease, e.g. rodents

    “killed as vermin or game, the pumas have gone”

  • Vermin (noun)

    parasitic worms or insects

    “his clothes are infested with vermin”

  • Vermin (noun)

    people perceived as despicable and as causing problems for the rest of society

    “the vermin who ransacked her house”

Oxford Dictionary

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