Earworm

Meaning

An earworm is a term used to describe an annoying or persistent melody that gets stuck in one's head. It can be a song, jingle, or even a random phrase. The figurative meaning of the idiom is to describe someone who is persistent and difficult to get rid of, just like the earworm.

Usage

• "I can't stop humming that annoying jingle from the commercial."
• "His presence in my life feels like an earworm that won't go away."
• "The repetition of her voice in my head is driving me crazy, it's like having an earworm."
• "I can't get the chorus of that song out of my head, it's an earworm!"
• "I'm trying to concentrate on work but the thought of him keeps creeping into my mind like an earworm." The usage of the idiom can vary depending on the context. For example, in a more informal setting, someone might use the phrase "he's got me like an earworm" to describe how annoying or persistent someone is. In a more formal setting, the same phrase could be used to describe a marketing strategy that is designed to stick in people's heads.

Roots and History

The term "earworm" is believed to have originated from the idea of a worm burrowing its way into one's ear and causing discomfort or pain. Over time, the phrase has taken on a figurative meaning to describe something that is persistent and difficult to get rid of. In the 18th century, the term was first used in poetry as a metaphor for something that sticks in one's mind.

Synonyms in English

• catchphrase,
• jingle,
• tagline,
• slogan,
• hook.

Synonyms in other languages

• French: "Chanson d'un air fort" - A song with a strong melody that sticks in one's head
• German: "Ein Ohrwurm" - An earworm
• Spanish: "Un cántico de la cabeza" - A song or phrase that gets stuck in one's head
• Italian: "La musica che si ripetisce nella testa" - The music that repeats itself in one's head
• Dutch: "Een oorworm" - An earworm

Similar Idioms

• lend me your ears

• hold tongue

• bite tongue