vermin

USAGE SUMMARY

"vermin" is a word that is used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to small animals or insects that are considered to be pests. For example, "The vermin had infested the entire house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Over half have condensation, almost half have mould and a quarter have vermin – from slugs to mice.

The Guardian

[Bevan's "vermin" remark - one of the most famous jibes in politics - was adroitly turned against the Attlee government by Tory speakers, who pretended it insulted their voters rather than policy makers.

The Guardian

One councillor who voted for the motion accused her opponents of "scaremongering" after they warned rubbish would pile up and attract vermin.

The Guardian

"So far as I am concerned they are lower than vermin," he went on.

The Guardian

In 1948, Aneurin Bevan famously called the Tories "lower than vermin".

The Guardian - Opinion

Councillor Susan Southworth, Labour, insisted the measure would not lead to public health issues, saying: "There's no evidence there will be detrimental impact to public health, such as vermin, unpleasant smells and fly-tipping".

The Guardian

He compared gay people to vermin, and said his government would fight them as it does malaria-bearing mosquitoes, "if not more aggressively".Gay sex is illegal in Gambia, as it is in 37 of Africa's 54 countries.

The Economist

Something about this vision of vermin clicked inside the company man, and he decided it was time to leave Philips's bossa nova ghetto.

The Economist

In 1968 he argued that Catholics "breed like rabbits and multiply like vermin".

The Economist

And as the world turned upside down, so vermin became victim.

The Economist

Grains are infested by vermin, fruit and vegetables get bruised, meats are attacked by flies and maggots, eggs break and milk goes sour.In rich countries, packaging and handling has vastly reduced this sort of waste.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vermin" in formal writing, consider the connotations. It often carries a negative emotional charge, so ensure it aligns with your intended tone and purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "vermin" when more precise scientific terms are available. For example, in a scientific paper, specify the exact species (e.g., "Rattus norvegicus" instead of "vermin").

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "vermin" is as a noun, referring to troublesome or unwanted animals and insects. It can function as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

19%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vermin" is a commonly used noun that refers to troublesome or unwanted animals and insects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used in various contexts, primarily in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While grammatically correct, it's essential to be mindful of the term's potentially negative and dehumanizing connotations, especially when referring to people. Consider alternatives like "pests" or more specific terms when precision is required, like "rodents", to ensure clarity and avoid unintended offense. The source quality is high, and the usage is consistent, making it a reliable term when used appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pests

A more general term for troublesome creatures; less emotive than "vermin".

parasites

Refers specifically to organisms that live on or in a host and derive benefit or harm.

scourge

Implies a widespread and destructive affliction; stronger connotation than "vermin".

plague

Refers to a widespread and troublesome infestation or problem.

infestation

Describes the state of being overrun by unwanted creatures.

undesirables

A broader term referring to unwanted individuals or groups.

nuisances

A milder term denoting something annoying but not necessarily harmful.

rodents

Specifically refers to gnawing mammals such as rats and mice.

insects

Specifically refers to small arthropod animals that have six legs and generally one or two pairs of wings.

creatures

A more general term denoting any living being, often used to suggest something unpleasant.

FAQs

How can I use "vermin" in a sentence?

"Vermin" can be used to describe troublesome animals or insects. For example, "The old house was infested with vermin" or "Farmers often struggle to protect their crops from vermin".

What can I say instead of "vermin"?

Depending on the context, you can use "pests", "parasites", or "rodents" as alternatives to "vermin".

Is it appropriate to use "vermin" to describe people?

Using "vermin" to describe people is highly offensive and dehumanizing. It's best to avoid this usage in all contexts, as it can perpetuate prejudice and discrimination.

What's the difference between "vermin" and "pests"?

While both terms refer to unwanted creatures, "vermin" often carries a stronger negative connotation and implies a greater degree of disgust or revulsion compared to "pests".