
Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris How can you tell a bug from a beetle? | ENTOMOLOGY ETYMOLOGY
Jun 4, 2025
Dive into the captivating world of insects as playful banter unveils the meaning behind words like 'bug' and 'beetle.' Discover why spiders spin 'cobwebs' and whether butterflies were ever called 'flutterbys.' Enjoy humorous stories about wasps crashing a football game, and explore the delightful etymology of intriguing insects. From the love for beneficial critters like spiders to the quirky names of locusts and cicadas, this lively conversation connects language and nature in ways you'll find utterly fascinating!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Ladybird vs. Ladybug Origins
- Ladybugs are beetles, not true bugs, and the term ladybird is older.
- The term ladybird originates from older English, whereas ladybug is a more recent Americanism.
Original Meaning of Bug
- The word "bug" originally meant a scary, frightening creature like a bogeyman.
- Over time, its fearsome meaning softened to something more annoying or a pet peeve.
Spider Names & Cobweb Origins
- The spider was historically called "Attercop," derived from words for venom and spider.
- The term "cobweb" literally means spider web.





