How Do You Spell EARWIGS?

Pronunciation: [ˈi͡əwɪɡz] (IPA)

The word "earwigs" is spelled with two syllables: "ear" and "wigs." The first syllable is pronounced as /ɪr/, which is the short "i" sound followed by the letter "r." The second syllable is pronounced as /wɪɡz/, which is the "w" sound followed by the "ih" sound and then "gz" sound. Despite its name, earwigs do not crawl into human ears. These small insects are known for their elongated bodies and pincer-like cerci located at the end of their abdomens.

EARWIGS Meaning and Definition

1. Earwigs are small elongated insects belonging to the order Dermaptera, characterized by their distinctive pincer-like appendages at the posterior end of their bodies. These six-legged creatures are usually nocturnal, preferring dark and damp environments. Typically measuring between 5 to 25 millimeters in length, earwigs possess a pair of leathery wings, although they are not strong fliers and rely primarily on crawling.

   Commonly found in gardens and natural habitats worldwide, earwigs feed on a variety of organic matter, including plants, insects, and decaying material. Despite their name, there is a longstanding myth that earwigs crawl into human ears, which is largely unfounded. Instead, they primarily scavenge outdoors, but may occasionally venture indoors in search of moisture or food.

   Earwigs possess a unique reproductive behavior known as maternal care, where the female actively tends to her eggs and young, protecting them until they can fend for themselves. The pincers at the posterior end of the earwig's body are primarily used for defense, as they can deliver a mild pinch to deter predators or rival earwigs.

   While earwigs are generally considered harmless to humans, their presence indoors can be unpleasant. They may occasionally become a nuisance by damaging garden plants or crops. In order to prevent earwig infestations, it is important to maintain clean, dry environments and to seal any cracks or crevices that may serve as entry points into buildings.

Common Misspellings for EARWIGS

• earnigs
• earwires
• earwiges
• erawigs
• earniges
• Earywigg
• Gaiwigs

Etymology of EARWIGS

The word "earwig" comes from the Old English term "ēare wicga", where "ēare" means "ear" and "wicga" means "insect" or "beetle". It refers to the notion that earwigs supposedly crawl into people's ears, although this belief has no scientific basis. The use of "wicga" generally described various insects, and over time, it specifically became associated with the earwig insect. So the term "earwig" essentially means "ear insect" or "insect associated with ears".

Similar spelling word for EARWIGS

• earwig.