larva (de mosca)
1. The larva of a fly, especially the common housefly, characterized by a soft, legless, cylindrical body
The garbage can was infested with maggots.
A lata de lixo estava infestada de larvas de mosca.
2. A contemptible or despicable person (derogatory slang)
He called his rival a maggot.
Ele chamou seu rival de verme.
3. In medical contexts, larvae used therapeutically for wound cleaning (larval therapy)
Sterile maggots were applied to treat the chronic wound.
Larvas estéreis foram aplicadas para tratar a ferida crônica.
In both American and Brazilian cultures, 'maggot' is primarily used as a pejorative term for despicable people, though this usage is considered vulgar. The biological definition is clinical and straightforward. In Brazil, the term is less commonly used in everyday speech compared to English-speaking countries, with 'larva' being the standard scientific/formal term. Military contexts sometimes use 'maggot' as harsh slang (e.g., drill sergeants), reflecting its widespread use as a dehumanizing insult.
NYC Slang
maggot - used as an insult similar to other cities; also 'maggots' for despicable people
Related Idioms & Phrases
full of maggots - completely infested or corrupted
maggot-ridden - heavily infested or morally corrupt
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