crabs: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1neutral (for the animal); informal/slang (for other meanings).
Quick answer
What does “crabs” mean?
The plural of crab, referring to a sea creature with a broad shell, two pincers, and a sideways walk. Also, the singular form can function as a verb describing sideways movement.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural of crab, referring to a sea creature with a broad shell, two pincers, and a sideways walk. Also, the singular form can function as a verb describing sideways movement.
Informal: public lice (Pthirus pubis). Slang: a state of irritable annoyance or ill temper (e.g., "to have the crabs").
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The animal sense is identical. The slang for 'public lice' is understood in both, but might be considered slightly more dated/coarse in the UK. The phrase 'catch crabs' in rowing (a faulty stroke) is common in both.
Connotations
In both varieties, the primary connotation is the animal. The slang sense carries strong negative/vulgar connotations.
Frequency
The animal sense is frequent. Slang meanings are low-frequency and context-bound.
Grammar
How to Use “crabs” in a Sentence
[to] catch crabs[to be] infested with crabs[to] eat crabscrabs [scuttle/crawl]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crabs” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The old car crabbed sideways into the tight parking space.
- He's always crabbing about the weather.
American English
- The truck crabbed across the icy road.
- She crabbed at the kids to turn down the music.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in seafood restaurant or fishing industry contexts.
Academic
Used in marine biology, zoology, and medical entomology (for the parasite).
Everyday
Primarily for the food item or animal seen on beaches. Slang use is informal.
Technical
In biology: Brachyura. In medicine: pediculosis pubis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crabs”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crabs”
- Using singular 'crab' for plural contexts (e.g., 'I saw three crab'). Confusing 'crabs' (animals) with 'scabs' (on skin).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the base form 'crab' can be a verb meaning to move sideways or to complain irritably. 'Crabs' is its third-person singular present tense form (e.g., He crabs about everything).
It's due to the physical resemblance of the parasite's claws to those of a crab, and its movement.
It is informal, dated, and can be considered vulgar or embarrassing. It's best avoided in formal or polite conversation.
It describes a situation where if one crab tries to escape a barrel, the others will pull it back down, metaphorically meaning people hindering each other's success.
The plural of crab, referring to a sea creature with a broad shell, two pincers, and a sideways walk. Also, the singular form can function as a verb describing sideways movement.
Crabs is usually neutral (for the animal); informal/slang (for other meanings). in register.
Crabs: in British English it is pronounced /kræbz/, and in American English it is pronounced /kræbz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Catch crabs (rowing): to make a faulty stroke where the oar gets caught in the water.”
- “Crabs in a barrel: a metaphor for people undermining each other's success.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CraBs have Claws that go Click. Remember the 'b' in crabs for the plural.
Conceptual Metaphor
Lateral/crooked movement ("to crab" = move sideways); irritability ("crabby" mood); collective self-sabotage ("crabs in a barrel").
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'crabs' NOT refer to the animal?