Vermin

Vermin is a term given to animals which are considered by humans to be pests or nuisances, most associated with the carrying of disease. Disease-carrying rodents and insects are the usual case but the term can also apply to larger animals, on the basis that they exist out of ecological balance with their environment, consuming excessive resources. Pigeons, which have been widely introduced in urban environments, may be considered vermin, or, pejoratively, "flying rats."

Related Topics:
Animal - Disease - Rodents - Insects - Ecological balance - Environment - Pigeon

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The term is also used as an extremely pejorative characterization of a particular class or group of people as being inferior and subhuman, and often considered social parasites. Application of the term can be wide, having been applied over the centuries (in different languages) to various groups, and its use is usually based on a perception that the target group's views are "disease-like," or that such groups exist out of sociological balance with the common society.

Related Topics:
Class - Group - Inferior - Subhuman - Social parasites - Perception - Sociological balance

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