English edit

Etymology edit

Dialectal form of vermin, derived from Latin vermis (worm), c. 1530–1540s.[1]

Perhaps influenced by Latin vargus (bandit, outlaw, scoundrel), though the pronunciation in /ɑː(ɹ)/ is more likely due to the same lowering of /ɛr/ > /ar/ found in carve < Middle English kerven and starve < Middle English sterven. The final syllable is probably altered after -ment; compare parchment < Middle English parchemyn.[2]

Pronunciation edit

Noun edit

varmint (plural varmints)

  1. A pestering animal such as one that kills or harasses a farmer's livestock or crops.
  2. (by extension) An obnoxious person or troublemaker.

Derived terms edit

Translations edit

References edit

  1. ^ varmint”, in Dictionary.com Unabridged, Dictionary.com, LLC, 1995–present.
  2. ^ Jespersen, Otto (1909) A Modern English Grammar on Historical Principles (Sammlung germanischer Elementar- und Handbücher; 9)‎[1], volume I: Sounds and Spellings, London: George Allen & Unwin, published 1961, § 7.62, page 220.

Further reading edit