Definition

Noun: 1. A troublesome or destructive wild animal, especially one considered a pest or predator. This often refers to animals that damage crops, livestock, or property, such as coyotes, foxes, rats, or groundhogs. 2. (Informal, chiefly US) A mischievous, annoying, or obnoxious person, especially a child.

Usage

The word "varmint" is informal and is most commonly used in rural or colloquial American English. It often carries a tone of annoyance or humorous exasperation. It is frequently used in the context of hunting, farming, or when scolding someone playfully.

Examples

• Meaning 1 (Animal):
  • The farmer set traps to catch the varmint that was eating his chickens.
  • Old coyotes are clever varmints that are hard to hunt.
• Meaning 2 (Person):
  • "Get back here, you little varmint!" the man shouted at the boy who had stolen an apple.
  • He's a clever varmint, always finding a way to get out of doing his chores.

Advanced Usage

• "Varmint rifle": A type of firearm, typically a small-caliber rifle, designed for hunting small pest animals.
  • He used a .22 caliber varmint rifle to control the groundhog population.

Variants and Related Words

• Vermin (noun): This is a more standard and formal synonym, referring collectively to small, common animals or insects that are harmful or a nuisance (e.g., rats, cockroaches). "Varmint" is essentially a colloquial pronunciation and spelling variant of "vermin."

Synonyms

• Pest
• Nuisance
• Critter (informal, often less negative)
• Vermin (more formal)

Related Idioms

• "Wily as a varmint": Describes someone who is very cunning or sly, like a clever wild animal that is hard to catch.
  • Don't trust his deal; he's as wily as a varmint.

Noun

1. any usually predatory wild animal considered undesirable; e.g., coyote
2. an irritating or obnoxious person