vermin

/ˈvʌrmən/

/ˈvʌmɪn/

Other forms: vermins

Vermin is a catch-all term that can be used for any small animals or insects that we think of as pests. The cockroaches you found in your bathroom were the grossest vermin you'd ever seen.

The word vermin originally came from the Anglo-French word of the same spelling, meaning "noxious animals" — definitely a negative term. Rats, mice, cockroaches, along with pests to farmers and the animals they raise, like coyotes and weasels, are vermin. Annoying people who cause problems are also sometimes called vermin, like the vermin who bully others.

Definitions of vermin

1. noun

   any of various small animals or insects that are pests; e.g. cockroaches or rats
   “cereals must be protected from mice and other vermin”

   “he examined the child's head for vermin”

   type of:

   pest

   any unwanted and destructive insect or other animal that attacks food or crops or livestock etc.
2. noun

   an irritating or obnoxious person
   synonyms: varmint

   type of:

   bad person, malefactor

   a person who does harm to others