varment
Noun: A troublesome, destructive, or undesirable wild animal, typically one that is predatory. This term is often used in a derogatory or dismissive way to refer to pests or nuisances, such as coyotes, foxes, or rodents, that cause damage to property or livestock.
The word "varment" is a colloquial, chiefly dialectal variant of "vermin." It is used informally to express annoyance or disdain toward a wild animal perceived as a pest. * That old varment has been getting into the chicken coop again. * Farmers in the area consider coyotes to be nothing but varments.
The term can be extended metaphorically to describe a person who is considered troublesome, contemptible, or predatory in behavior. * He warned them not to trust that sneaky varment of a salesman.
- Vermin (noun): The standard term for wild animals or insects that are destructive or carry disease. "Varment" is a phonetic dialectal spelling of this word.
- Varmint (noun): Another common colloquial spelling and pronunciation of "vermin," identical in meaning and usage to "varment."
- Pest
- Nuisance
- Critter (colloquial, often less negative)
- Predator (in the specific context of animals that hunt livestock)
While not a formal idiom, the phrase "shoot/trap a varment" is typical usage, emphasizing the animal's status as a target for eradication. * He went out at dawn with his rifle, aiming to shoot that varment before it could kill another lamb.
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any usually predatory wild animal considered undesirable; e.g., coyote
