maggot

USAGE SUMMARY

"maggot" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun that refers to a soft-bodied legless larva that is typically found in decaying matter. One can use the word "maggot" in written English in various contexts, such as to describe small white worms found in food or to refer to a person who is despicable or contemptible. Example: "The rotten fruit was crawling with maggots." Example: "I can't believe he cheated on his wife, he's such a maggot."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

It's amazing having a great girl singer calling you a scumbag and a maggot, but at the end the song turns into a high-stepping waltz.

The Guardian - Music

He was sent before the standards board 27 times in his four-year stint on the council, but escaped without censure on all but one occasion, when he compared a council solicitor to a maggot.

The Guardian

Bitten by a venomous snake that had left the real Steve Irwin out in the bush-grass, dead as a maggot.

The Economist

He describes the rise of artificial intelligence as "maggot therapy: it consumes only those portions [of the job market] that are no longer human, restoring us to health .Likewise the game played by Deep Blue serves to identify the whereabouts of creativity in chess, he argues.

The Economist

We're sort of in it together and I'll love him always.Where is the literary culture more interesting, America or Britain?Do you have a witness protection programme?"Maggot" by Paul Muldoon is published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux in America and Faber and Faber in Britain.

The Economist

"Disco was born, maggot like, from the rotten remains of the Big Apple", wrote Peter Shapiro in "Turn the Beat Around" a history of the genre.The release it gave was different though.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

During her first weeks of training, the 36-year-old Williams encounters maggot-eaten bodies, severed limbs and a 560-pound dead man whose cadaver, too large to fit inside a refrigerated compartment, slowly decomposes in the laboratory while technicians wait desperately for the sign-off authorising a postmortem.

The Economist

Larvae, which vary considerably in shape, are classified in five forms: eruciform (caterpillar-like), scarabaeiform (grublike), campodeiform (elongated, flattened, and active), elateriform (wireworm-like), and vermiform (maggot-like).

Encyclopedia Britannica

As fun as it is when we finally bump into a cockney gang played by Ian McShane, Bob Hoskins, Nick Frost et al, we have to endure a lot of rain, mud, and maggot-riddled bird corpses first.

Independent

They are dank, maggot-ridden holes that the victims probably dug themselves.

Independent

He goes on to describe the film as "a pile of skidmarked sumo thongs," "a maggot-oozing head wound," and a "waterfall of elephant jizz cascading into theaters this weekend".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maggot" figuratively, ensure the context clearly establishes the intended derogatory meaning. Avoid using it casually, as it carries strong negative connotations.

Common error

While "maggot" can be effective in informal or creative writing to evoke disgust or contempt, avoid its use in formal contexts where a more neutral or professional tone is required.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "maggot" is as a noun, referring to a type of larva or, figuratively, a despicable person. As Ludwig AI explains, this usage is both correct and common in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

28%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

6%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "maggot" is a common noun with both literal and figurative meanings. Literally, it refers to a fly larva. Figuratively, it's a derogatory term for a despicable person. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically sound and frequently found in various sources. While its literal meaning is acceptable in neutral contexts like encyclopedias, its figurative use is highly informal and negative, making it unsuitable for professional or formal communication. Alternative phrases, such as "despicable person" or "scumbag", can be used depending on the desired level of formality and impact. The best practice is to use "maggot" carefully, being mindful of its strong negative connotations and appropriateness for the intended audience and context. Finally, the term is most often found in "News & Media" and "Encyclopedias".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

larva

Focuses on the biological stage of the insect rather than the negative connotations.

grub

A more general term for a larva, lacking the negative intensity of "maggot".

worm

A broader term that encompasses various elongated, soft-bodied invertebrates.

despicable person

Shifts the focus from the literal insect to the figurative meaning of a contemptible individual.

vile creature

Emphasizes the repulsiveness associated with the term "maggot", applicable to both literal and figurative contexts.

worthless individual

Highlights the lack of value or significance attributed to someone referred to as a "maggot".

scumbag

Another derogatory term for a person, sharing similar negative connotations.

lowlife

Implies a lack of moral character and social standing.

parasite

Highlights the dependence and exploitative nature associated with the term, suggesting someone who leeches off others.

infestation

Refers to the state of being overrun by something unwanted, similar to the negative impact of maggots.

FAQs

What does the word "maggot" mean?

A "maggot" is a soft-bodied, legless larva, typically of a fly, found in decaying organic matter. Figuratively, it's used to describe a despicable person.

How can I use "maggot" in a sentence?

You can use "maggot" literally, as in, "The fruit was infested with maggots." Or figuratively, as in, "He's a worthless maggot."

What can I say instead of calling someone a "maggot"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "scumbag", "lowlife", or "despicable person" to convey a similar sense of contempt.

Is it appropriate to use the word "maggot" in professional communication?

Generally, no. The word "maggot", especially when used to describe a person, is highly derogatory and unsuitable for professional settings. Use more neutral language instead.