louse
B2Informal; formal in biological contexts only.
Definition
Meaning
A small, wingless, parasitic insect that lives on the skin of mammals and birds, feeding on blood.
A contemptible or unpleasant person.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Core meaning is specific and technical (parasitology). Figurative meaning (contemptible person) is informal and strong pejorative. Plural is 'lice'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical. Both use the literal and figurative senses identically.
Connotations
Extremely negative in both varieties. Figurative use implies low, parasitic, deceitful behavior.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English in figurative use (e.g., 'he's a real louse').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[noun] is a louseto louse something up [verb phrasal]to be lousy with [something]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “louse something up (to ruin or spoil)”
- “lousy with (full of; teeming with)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in very informal, pejorative comments.
Academic
Common in biological/medical texts for the insect. Not used figuratively.
Everyday
Figurative use is strong insult. Literal use common in contexts of hygiene, children, pets.
Technical
Key term in entomology, parasitology, public health.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Don't louse up the presentation.
- He loused up his chances with that comment.
American English
- You'll louse up the whole plan.
- I really loused that interview up.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- This pub is lousy with tourists in summer.
- He gave a lousy excuse.
American English
- The place was lousy with cops.
- I feel lousy today.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The child had lice in her hair.
- Lice are small insects.
- We need a special shampoo to get rid of the lice.
- He's such a louse for lying to her.
- Public health campaigns aim to reduce louse infestations in schools.
- After he stole from the charity, everyone saw him for the louse he was.
- The phylogeny of the Anoplura (sucking lice) is complex.
- His reputation as an incorrigible louse made him a social pariah.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A LOUSE is LOUSY. It's a lousy insect and a lousy person.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BAD/ WORTHLESS PERSON IS A PARASITE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'вошь' (which is correct for the insect). The figurative sense 'louse' (bad person) is not directly equivalent to common Russian insults. It's a specific metaphor. The Russian word 'гад' is a closer connotative match.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'louses' as plural (correct: 'lice'). Confusing 'lousy' (adj.) with 'louse' (n.). Overusing figurative sense in formal contexts.
Practice
Quiz
What is the correct plural form of 'louse'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When referring to the insect, it is neutral/technical. Calling a person a 'louse' is a strong insult.
'Louse' is singular (one insect). 'Lice' is plural (two or more insects).
Yes, in the phrasal verb 'to louse something up', meaning to ruin or spoil it. It's informal.
It's an informal idiom meaning 'full of' or 'teeming with' (e.g., 'The old attic was lousy with mice').