bug

bug

bug¹ [bug]

n.

[prob. < BUG²]

1. any of an order (Hemiptera) of insects with sucking mouthparts and with forewings thickened toward the base, as a water bug or squash bug: also called true bug

2. any small arthropod, esp. if regarded as a pest, as a louse, cockroach, or centipede

☆ 3. a defect or imperfection, as in a machine or computer program: somewhat informal when used outside of a computer context

4. Informal any microscopic organism, esp. one causing disease; germ or virus

☆ 5. Informal a tiny microphone hidden to record conversation secretly

☆ 6. Slang

a) an enthusiast or devotee: often used in combination [a shutterbug pursues photography as a hobby]

b) a particular enthusiasm or obsession

☆ 7. Slang a small, compact automobile

8. Slang the weight allowance (5 pounds, or 2.3 kg) granted to an apprentice jockey for one year after the riding of five winners

vt.

bugged, bugging

☆ 1. Informal to hide a microphone in (a room, etc.), as for recording a conversation secretly

2. Slang

a) to annoy, bother, anger, etc.

b) to confuse or puzzle

vi.

Slang to bulge or open wide, as in amazement: said of the eyes

to bulge or open wide, as in amazement: said of the eyes

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☆ bug off Brit. or bugger off

Slang to stop annoying someone and leave: also Brit. bugger off

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☆ bug out

Slang to run away; desert

bug² [bug]

n.

[ME bugge, akin to Norw dial. bugge: see BIG]

Obs. a bugbear; hobgoblin