What does “earwigging” mean?
The phrase "earwigging" means 'listening in on someone's conversation without their knowledge.' When someone is "earwigging", they are surreptitiously eavesdropping on a conversation, usually without the participants being aware of their presence or intent.
How is the expression used in real life?
Example
You were earwigging again, yes?
Example
I caught him earwigging on our private conversation.
Example
She's always earwigging on other people's phone calls.
What context can I use each expression in?
- 1Casually accusing someone of eavesdropping
You were earwigging again, yes?
She's always earwigging on other people's phone calls.
- 2Catching someone in the act of eavesdropping
I caught him earwigging on our private conversation.
I saw her earwigging outside the door.
- 3Describing the act of eavesdropping
He was earwigging on their conversation from the next table.
I could hear someone earwigging on my phone call.
Good things to know:
What is the origin of the phrase?
"Earwigging" is a slang term that originated in Ireland. It is derived from the behavior of earwigs, which are insects known for their habit of crawling into people's ears. The term has since been adopted and used in other English-speaking regions.
Can the phrase be used on its own?
While "earwigging" is typically used in a sentence, it can also be used on its own to convey the act of listening in on someone's conversation without their knowledge.
Is the phrase offensive?
The phrase "earwigging" is not offensive in itself. It refers to the act of listening in on someone's conversation without their knowledge.
Audience for the phrase
"Earwigging" is commonly used by English speakers, particularly in Ireland. It is understood by people familiar with the slang term and the act of eavesdropping.
Is the phrase specific to an accent or country?
"Earwigging" is primarily associated with Ireland, where it originated. However, it can also be used in other English-speaking regions to describe the act of listening in on someone's conversation without their knowledge.
