creepy crawlies

Meanings

1. 1nounpluralinformal

   Small insects or similar creatures that crawl, such as beetles, spiders, or ants, especially when thought of as unpleasant or scary.

   Grammar: Always plural; there is no singular form 'creepy crawly' in common use, though it exists theoretically.

   Patterns

   • a lot of creepy crawlies
   • afraid of creepy crawlies
   • full of creepy crawlies

   The old log was full of creepy crawlies.

   My little sister is scared of creepy crawlies.

   We lifted the stone and saw all sorts of creepy crawlies underneath.

2. 2nounpluralhumorous

   Used humorously to refer to any small creatures that crawl or scuttle, including spiders and worms.

   Grammar: Often used with a tone of mock horror.

   Patterns

   • all the creepy crawlies
   • a creepy crawly

   I don't mind the countryside, but I could do without all the creepy crawlies.

   The kids spent the afternoon hunting for creepy crawlies in the garden.

Common combinations

scared of creepy crawlies

Many young children are scared of creepy crawlies.

full of creepy crawlies

The decaying wood was full of creepy crawlies.

creepy crawlies in the garden

There are always creepy crawlies in the garden in summer.

Synonyms and how they differ

bugs

More general and neutral; can refer to any small insect, not just crawling ones.

insects

Scientific and neutral; does not carry the informal, slightly fearful tone of 'creepy crawlies'.

critters

Informal and often affectionate, used for animals or insects, especially in American English.

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “creepy crawlies”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words