roach: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium (common in specific contexts like entomology, slang, fishing)Informal (for insect/slang meanings), Technical/Specialist (for fish meaning)
Quick answer
What does “roach” mean?
A cockroach (insect).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A cockroach (insect); also the butt of a marijuana cigarette.
In fishing, a freshwater fish of the carp family (Rutilus rutilus). In slang, an unpleasant or disreputable person.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'roach' commonly refers to the fish. In American English, it almost exclusively means the insect or the marijuana remnant.
Connotations
Both dialects share the negative connotation for the insect. The fish meaning (UK) is neutral.
Frequency
The insect meaning is most frequent in both dialects. The fish meaning is rare in US English.
Grammar
How to Use “roach” in a Sentence
[verb] a roach: catch, kill, see, findVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “roach” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He managed to roach a decent-sized one from the canal.
- (archaic) The barber would roach his client's hair in that old style.
American English
- (slang) He stopped to roach the last bit of his joint.
adjective
British English
- The roach population in the Thames seems healthy this year.
- (rare) He had a roach-like resilience.
American English
- The apartment had a serious roach problem.
- He gave a roach-eyed glance of suspicion.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in pest control industry.
Academic
Used in biology/entomology and ichthyology texts.
Everyday
Common for referring to the insect, especially in negative contexts.
Technical
Specific term in fishing and entomology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “roach”
- Using 'roach' formally instead of 'cockroach'.
- Using the fish meaning in an American context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's informal for the insect meaning. The fish meaning is standard in fishing contexts.
None, when referring to the insect. 'Roach' is just a short, informal form of 'cockroach'.
Yes, but rarely. It can mean to shape hair straight across (archaic) or, in fishing, to catch roach fish. In slang, it can refer to smoking a roach (marijuana remnant).
Because an American would expect 'roach' to mean an insect, not a fish, which could make the report sound bizarre.
A cockroach (insect).
Roach: in British English it is pronounced /rəʊtʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /roʊtʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To roach someone's hair (archaic slang: to cut hair straight across, like a roach's back)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Roach sounds like 'coach' - imagine a disgusting cockroach driving a tiny coach.
Conceptual Metaphor
A ROACH IS A LOW/UNWANTED THING (e.g., 'He's a real roach').
Practice
Quiz
In which context would a British angler most likely use the word 'roach'?