cooties etymology

Etymology:

  • The exact etymology of "cooties" is uncertain, but there are several theories:

    • It may be derived from the French "coutisse," meaning "louse" or "barber's itch."
    • It could stem from the Scots "coot," meaning "small, wingless insect."
    • Some speculate that it originated from the Latin "cutis," meaning "skin," suggesting a relationship to skin parasites.

Meaning and Origin:

"Cooties" is an informal term for lice, particularly those that infest the head. Historically, the term originated among British soldiers during World War I to refer to the numerous body lice that infested the soldiers' trenches.

The extensive presence of body lice among soldiers led to the spread of typhus and other diseases. To cope with the infestation, soldiers would often scratch their itchy scalp, leading to the slang term "cooties" for the lice responsible.

Over time, the term "cooties" became synonymous with head lice in general, especially among children. It is considered a childish or derogatory term and is often used to stigmatize those who have head lice.

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