Cootie

/ˈkuːti/
noun

A small imaginary bug that children often believe makes them dirty or infected, commonly used in playground teasing.

No, you can't sit next to me! I think you have cooties!
Visual representation of "cootie" - A small imaginary bug that children often believe makes them dirty or infected, commonly used in playground teasing.

Often appears as...

  • catch cooties
  • get cooties

Usage tips

Informal

Childish

noun

A small imaginary bug that children often believe makes them dirty or infected, commonly used in playground teasing.

No, you can't sit next to me! I think you have cooties!
Visual representation of "cootie" - A small imaginary bug that children often believe makes them dirty or infected, commonly used in playground teasing.

Often appears as...

  • catch cooties
  • get cooties

Usage tips

Informal

Childish

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "cootie"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Playful Context

Use the term 'cootie' in light-hearted banter among children.

'That toy is cootie-infested!'
LampPro Tip 2/3

Childhood Germs

Understand that 'cooties' is often a playful way of discussing germs among kids.

'Don’t get too close, or you’ll catch cooties!'
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Reference

Recognize that cooties are part of children's folklore and can symbolize childish fears and innocence.

'She thinks he has cooties just because he touched her.'
LampPro Tip 1/3

Playful Context

Use the term 'cootie' in light-hearted banter among children.

'That toy is cootie-infested!'
LampPro Tip 2/3

Childhood Germs

Understand that 'cooties' is often a playful way of discussing germs among kids.

'Don’t get too close, or you’ll catch cooties!'
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Reference

Recognize that cooties are part of children's folklore and can symbolize childish fears and innocence.

'She thinks he has cooties just because he touched her.'
LampPro Tip 1/3

Playful Context

Use the term 'cootie' in light-hearted banter among children.

'That toy is cootie-infested!'
LampPro Tip 2/3

Childhood Germs

Understand that 'cooties' is often a playful way of discussing germs among kids.

'Don’t get too close, or you’ll catch cooties!'
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Reference

Recognize that cooties are part of children's folklore and can symbolize childish fears and innocence.

'She thinks he has cooties just because he touched her.'
Visual representation of the word "Cootie"

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