What does vermiculous mean?
Vermicious is a rare, archaic adjective meaning full of vermin or, figuratively, loathsome and contemptible. Pronounced roughly “ver-MISH-us,” it has a deliberately Latinate sound and a vivid history based on the association between infestation and moral or physical repulsion. The word was used literally for places overrun by worms, insects, rodents, or other vermin. It was also extended to describe people, accusations, or conduct regarded as sordid or detestable. Because it is no longer common in ordinary English, vermicious usually carries a literary, old-fashioned, or occasionally humorous tone. Even so, the word remains strikingly effective: calling something vermiculous suggests not merely that it is dirty or unpleasant, but that it seethes with something utterly repellent.
adjectiveInfested with worms or other vermin; figuratively, loathsome, sordid, or contemptible.
- Infested with worms or other vermin.
- Loathsome, sordid, or contemptible.
"The neglected tenement was vermiculous, its corridors alive with rats and cockroaches."
"The neglected tenement was vermiculous, its corridors alive with rats and cockroaches."
"The editor dismissed the accusation as vermiculous—an ugly smear dressed up as concern."
Vermicious comes from the Latin for “worm,” making it a grand, old-fashioned way to say something is crawling with vermin.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of vermiculous
Vermicious derives from Latin vermis, meaning “worm,” through the Latin adjective vermiciosus, meaning “full of worms” or “infested with vermin.” The English word was recorded in the 17th century and initially retained this literal sense. Its figurative meaning, describing something loathsome or contemptible, developed from the strong association between vermin infestation and conditions regarded as filthy or repulsive.
How vermiculous is actually used
This is a rare, archaic word surviving chiefly in formal, literary, legalistic, or deliberately humorous contexts. Its figurative use can describe something repellent or contemptible, while its literal use refers to infestation by vermin.
Easily confused with vermiculous
Vermicular means worm-shaped, wriggling, or resembling a worm, whereas vermiculous means full of vermin or, figuratively, loathsome.