varmint
word
Definition
A varmint is a troublesome wild animal, such as a rodent or predator, that causes problems for people, crops, or livestock. Sometimes, it is also used informally to describe an annoying person, especially in rural settings.
Usage & Nuances
'Varmint' is informal and most common in American English, especially in rural, Southern, or Western contexts. Usually refers to pests like raccoons, rats, or coyotes. Can be used humorously to call a mischievous person a 'young varmint.' Not widely used in urban speech.
Example Sentences
The farmer set traps to catch the varmints eating his corn.
basic
Some people call raccoons and coyotes varmints.
basic
Don’t let that varmint get into the chicken coop!
basic
Those pesky varmints have been digging up my garden all week.
natural
Get out of here, you little varmint!
natural
He called the neighbor’s kid a varmint for stealing apples from his tree.
natural