Animalscaretips
The origin of the idiom “bookworm” probably originated as a somewhat derogatory term for a person who studied or read more than was usual. Bugs such as silverfish, book lice, and linoleum beetles were referred to as bookworms because they inhabited books; thus the idiom.
- When was the term bookworm first used?
- Who invented the word bookworm?
- Where do bookworms come from?
- What does the idiom mean bookworm?
- Is the word bookworm offensive?
- Where does the word savant come from?
- Does the speaker mind being called a bookworm?
- What does my hair stood on end mean?
- What do you call a book worm?
- Do book worms still exist?
- Can silverfish bite you?
- Do book worms really exist?
- What does table began turn mean?
- What's the meaning of a bolt from the blue?
- What does the idiom burn the midnight oil mean?
When was the term bookworm first used?
The first known use of bookworm was in 1580.
Who invented the word bookworm?
The First “Bookworm”
The earliest documented appearance of the word bookworm, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, is in 1580. It appears in Three Proper and Witty Familiar Letters, a series of correspondences between scholar Gabriel Harvey and poet Edmund Spenser.
Where do bookworms come from?
Often, the larvae of various types of insects including beetles, moths and cockroaches, which may bore or chew through books seeking food, are responsible. Some such larvae exhibit a superficial resemblance to worms and are the likely inspiration for the term, though they are not true worms.
What does the idiom mean bookworm?
Meaning of Idiom Bookworm. A bookworm is a person who reads a lot; one who loves books and spends a lot of time reading and studying. 1.
Is the word bookworm offensive?
Originally, 'bookworm' was an entirely negative term: 'worm' was an Elizabethan insult that meant "wretch," and to be called a 'bookworm' was an insult. The term still carries a tinge of disapproval—who wants to be called a worm? —but is widely considered to be more positive than it once was.
Where does the word savant come from?
In 1887, 'idiot' was an accepted classification for persons with an IQ below 25, and 'savant', or 'knowledgeable person', was derived from the French word savoir meaning 'to know'.
Does the speaker mind being called a bookworm?
Answer: No, as per my opinion, the speaker does not mind on getting called a bookworm by his mother.
What does my hair stood on end mean?
Definition of make one's hair stand on end
informal. : to cause fright or terror in someone Just hearing his voice makes my hair stand on end.
What do you call a book worm?
What are some synonyms for bookworm? bibliophile. bibliophage. voracious reader. avid reader.
Do book worms still exist?
No single species may properly be called the bookworm because a large number of insects feed upon dry, starchy material or paper and may damage books. Among the most widely known bookworms are the silverfish (order Thysanura) and the booklice (order Psocoptera). Termites and roaches are also frequently guilty.
Can silverfish bite you?
Although silverfish have a creepy appearance and are occasionally mistaken for venomous centipedes, silverfish are not known to bite humans and do not carry diseases. ... While silverfish are harmless to the human body, they do cause damage to clothing, books, papers, food in pantries and wallpaper.
Do book worms really exist?
A quick look at Wikipedia tells me that “bookworm” is a generic term for any insect that bores through books. The actual culprits are not really worms at all but most likely beetles or beetle larvae, attracted by leather bindings or the wooden shelves the books are kept on.
What does table began turn mean?
Meaning: When the tables are turned, the situation has changed giving the advantage to the party who had previously been at a disadvantage.
What's the meaning of a bolt from the blue?
Definition of bolt from the blue
: a complete surprise : something totally unexpected.
What does the idiom burn the midnight oil mean?
: diligent effort expended late at night or as if late at night — compare burn the midnight oil.
