cockroach

English
A cockroach.

Etymology

From Spanish cucaracha (“woodlouse”), from cuca (“butterfly caterpillars”), of onomatopoeic origin; see also Greek κόκκυξ (kókkux) and Late Latin cucus. Influenced, via folk etymology, by cock and roach.

Pronunciation
  • Audio (US)(file)
  • Rhymes: -əʊtʃ

Noun

cockroach (plural cockroaches)

  1. A black or brown straight-winged insect of the order Blattodea.
  2. (slang, offensive) A person or a member of a group of people regarded as undesirable and rapidly procreating.
  3. (offensive, slang, ethnic slur, Rwanda) A Tutsi.

Synonyms
  • (black or brown insect): roach (US)

Translations

Further reading
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