boll weevil

a boll weevil damaging a cotton bug

 

 

a kind of insect – beetle – small, only ¼ of an inch (6 mm); flying insect with hard leathery cover on the wings; feeds (eats) on cotton plants; native to Central America and South America

Note: ‘boll weevils’ are also called ‘gypsy moths’ in some regions.

Special Features:

Boll weevil is a pest – its larvae attack cotton bolls (= young cotton plants), and feed on the buds and flowers of the cotton plants.

Figures of Speech:
a boll-weevil  =

(a) {American Usage} a workers’ union member – a worker who does not follow or obey the union’s instructions or orders to participate in a strike

(b)  {with plural ‘boll weevils’} the USA conservative Southern Democratic party members – from 1948 to 1980; this term is not used since 1988

About the Author:BC Kumar

BC Kumar, an English Language Teacher, taught in numerous countries including Ethiopia, Oman and India, shares his knowledge and passion for the English Language. Disclaimer: This is a free educational website and all content has been compiled by the author. All copyrights to images and videos belong to their respective owners.

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