What are lice called colloquially? - briefly
In everyday speech, lice are often referred to as “crabs,” especially for pubic infestations, while the eggs are called “nits.” The word “lice” itself is also used colloquially to describe head‑hair infestations.
What are lice called colloquially? - in detail
Lice are most often referred to by informal names that vary with the body region they infest. The most common everyday terms include:
- Head lice – simply called “head lice” or “head bugs.” In casual speech people may say “the itch” or just “lice” when describing an outbreak on the scalp.
- Pubic lice – widely known as “crabs” because of their spider‑like appearance. The term appears in both medical literature and popular conversation.
- Body lice – occasionally called “clothing lice” or “seam lice,” referencing their habit of living in the seams of garments rather than on the skin itself.
- Nits – the eggs of any louse species. The word is used colloquially to denote the tiny, cement‑attached specks seen on hair shafts or clothing fibers.
Regional slang can add further variants. In the United Kingdom, “head lice” may be shortened to “head nits,” while in the United States teenagers sometimes refer to an infestation as “getting the bugs.” Some cultures use the generic term “parasite” or “bug” when the specific type is unknown.
The origin of the informal term “nit” traces back to Old English hnitu, meaning “louse egg.” The nickname “crabs” for pubic lice arises from the visual similarity of the insect’s clawed legs to a crab’s pincers. These colloquial labels persist because they are short, descriptive, and easily understood outside of scientific contexts.
Understanding the everyday vocabulary helps in recognizing reports of infestations, interpreting public health messages, and communicating effectively with non‑specialists.