| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
| | | Earwig. | | |
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A corruption of the Saxon ear-wicga (ear-insect); so called because the hind wings resemble in shape the human ear. The word has engendered the notion that these insects are apt to get into our ears. | 1 |
An earwig, metaphorically, is one who whispers into our ears all the news and scandal going, in order to curry favour; a flatterer.
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| “Court earwigs banish from your ears.” | |
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