earworm

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "earworm" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a song that gets stuck in one's head and is difficult to forget. For example, "The chorus of that new pop song has been an earworm for me all day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In 1911 it was rediscovered by a German scientist, and a solution of crystallized Bt toxins was found to be highly effective against certain crop pests, including the corn borer, corn rootworm, corn earworm, and bollworms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This method has been used with some success against the corn earworm (or cotton bollworm) in the United States.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The days of supporting roles, however, are over, and he's reinvented himself as the leader of Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong, the band whose supremely silly name causes a not-unwelcome Dolly Parton earworm.

Independent

We asked the musicians and DJs who rocked our headphones this year who they were listening to on repeat in 2015 and they came up with this wonderful list of earworm tunes.

Independent

One to watch: Cousin Marnie for sparse tribal beats and earworm folky melodies.

Independent

The larvae of the corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea, family Noctuidae) generally feed on corn kernels but can also burrow into tomatoes and cotton bolls and are thus sometimes known as tomato fruitworms or cotton bollworms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The corn earworm, the larval stage of a cosmopolitan moth (Helicoverpa zea), is also known as the cotton bollworm, tomato fruitworm, or vetchworm.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Corn earworm, also called cotton bollworm or tomato fruitworm, larva of the moth Heliothis zea (in some classifications H. armigera; family Noctuidae).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The bollworm (Heliothis zea, also known as the corn earworm) feeds on cotton and many other wild and cultivated plants.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Meanwhile, Riley's outer life is virtually culture-free (her one musical connection, an earworm that gets a droll behind-the-scenes representation within her mind, is a song from a gum commercial).

The New Yorker

The sparkling track was just as captivating both because of its earworm melody and because of the cognitive dissonance evoked by Dej's high-pitched, childlike voice making boastful, intrepid threats with such sincerity: "Bitch I got the tommy, no Hilfiger/ Lil Dej ain't bout it?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "earworm" to describe a tune that is not only catchy but also somewhat irritating due to its repetitive nature. Be mindful of the connotation of mild annoyance.

Common error

Avoid using "earworm" for simply liking a song. It specifically refers to a song that is stuck in your head, often against your will. A catchy tune you enjoy isn't necessarily an "earworm".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "earworm" is as a noun. It refers to a tune or song that becomes involuntarily and repetitively stuck in someone's mind. Ludwig provides many examples of its usage in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "earworm" is a common and accepted term for a tune that gets involuntarily stuck in one's head. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, especially in news and media. While generally neutral, it often implies a slightly negative connotation due to the repetitive and sometimes irritating nature of the experience. When writing, remember that "earworm" is not simply a catchy song, but one that is persistently intrusive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

song stuck in my head

A more literal way of expressing the experience of having an earworm.

sticky song

Emphasizes the way the song 'sticks' in one's mind.

a tune you can't shake

Emphasizes the difficulty of getting rid of the melody.

brainworm

An alternative term, similar to earworm, metaphorically suggesting something invasive in the mind.

catchy tune

Focuses on the pleasant and memorable quality of the music.

that song that won't leave my head

Describes the frustrating persistence of a song.

memorable melody

Highlights the ease with which the tune is remembered.

intrusive tune

Highlights the unwanted persistence of the melody.

recurring melody

Focuses on the repetitive nature of the musical phrase.

catchy jingle

Specifically refers to a memorable and repetitive advertisement tune.

FAQs

How can I use "earworm" in a sentence?

You can say, "That commercial jingle is such an "earworm", I can't stop humming it!" or "I've had that "earworm" stuck in my head all day, it's driving me crazy!".

What's the difference between a catchy song and an "earworm"?

A catchy song is simply appealing and memorable. An "earworm" is a song that repeats uncontrollably in your mind, often to the point of annoyance. While all "earworms" are catchy, not all catchy songs are "earworms".

What are some other terms for a song that gets stuck in your head?

Alternatives include "catchy tune", "sticky song", "memorable melody", or simply saying that you have a "song stuck in my head".

Is "earworm" a negative or positive term?

"Earworm" is generally neutral, although it leans slightly negative. It describes a song that's stuck in your head, and while the song might be enjoyable, the repetitive nature can become irritating.