Word of the Day: Beastie

 

noun 1. (Humorous) An animal, insect, or germ. 2. (Informal) A vehicle or device of a particular kind.

"Watch out for beasties trying to invade your picnic." "I hate to carry my big camera, so I bring this little beastie in my purse." "The Loch Ness monster is one of the most famed beasties of Scotland."

Scottish English, mid-18th century

You're not going to hear this word from a veterinarian, or see it in a biology textbook, but you can use "beastie" to refer to any kind of creature, mythical or real. The word has Scottish roots, and you might hear it used as "wee beastie," with a jovial or even exasperated tone. ...