crab louse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Medical/Taboo/Informal
Quick answer
What does “crab louse” mean?
A small, parasitic insect (Pthirus pubis) that infests human pubic hair, causing itching.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, parasitic insect (Pthirus pubis) that infests human pubic hair, causing itching.
A term used colloquially and derogatorily to describe a contemptible or annoying person.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in the literal meaning. The slang term 'crabs' (for the infestation) is common in both varieties.
Connotations
Strongly associated with poor hygiene and sexually transmitted infestation in both cultures. Highly stigmatised topic.
Frequency
Low frequency in polite conversation. Higher frequency in medical/health contexts and coarse slang.
Grammar
How to Use “crab louse” in a Sentence
[patient] has crab lice[patient] is infected with crab liceto treat [patient] for crab liceVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in medical, biological, and public health texts.
Everyday
Used with discomfort or in crude humour; often euphemised ('an infestation').
Technical
Standard term in dermatology, parasitology, and sexual health.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crab louse”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crab louse”
- Incorrect pluralisation: 'crab louses' (correct: 'crab lice').
- Confusing it with head lice ('Pediculus humanus capitis').
- Using in overly formal contexts where euphemism is expected.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are different species. Crab lice (Pthirus pubis) primarily infest pubic hair, while head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) infest the scalp.
It is highly unlikely. Crab lice cannot survive long away from the human body and do not jump. Transmission almost always requires close physical contact.
Because its body shape, with large front claws, resembles that of a crab under magnification.
It's slang for the infestation itself (e.g., 'He has crabs'), not typically for an individual insect.
A small, parasitic insect (Pthirus pubis) that infests human pubic hair, causing itching.
Crab louse is usually medical/taboo/informal in register.
Crab louse: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkræb ˌlaʊs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkræb ˌlaʊs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Crabs' live near water; a 'crab louse' is shaped a bit like a tiny crab and lives in the 'pubic' area.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTEMPTIBLE PERSON IS A PARASITE (in derogatory use).
Practice
Quiz
What is the correct plural form of 'crab louse'?