mozzies
Tiny biting insects
Mozzies is informal, chiefly British and Australian, for mosquitoes.
The word captures the casual irritation these insects inspire: The mozzies are out in force tonight.
Like other -ie/-y diminutives common in Australian English, it softens the six-syllable original into something more conversational.
Provoking scratching urges
- scratchSuperficial wound or mark
- weltsRaised skin from impact
- swellingAbnormal tissue enlargement
- rednessCrimson-hued state
inflammation · lumps · histamine · antihistamine · calamine · cortisone · ointment · irritation
Mosquito-borne parasitic infection
- dengueMosquito-borne viral disease
- encephalitisInflammatory brain condition
- feverElevated body temperature
- vectorQuantity with direction
transmission · plasmodium · carrier · parasite · infection · outbreak · epidemic · tropical
Low vibrating hum
- swattingFraudulent emergency calls as harassment
- peskyMildly but persistently irritating
- nuisanceCause of aggravation
- irritatingCausing mild frustration
bothersome · aggravating · infuriating · exasperating · vexing · irksome · troublesome · harassing
Causes strong aversion
- citronellaAromatic insect-deterring oil
- coilsConnected loops of material
- netsMesh devices for catching
- screensDisplays or filters
zapper · spray · candles · eucalyptus · permethrin · ultraviolet · trap · fogger
itchy
Provoking scratching urges
redness · inflammation · lumps · histamine · antihistamine · calamine · cortisone · ointment · irritation · allergic
malaria
Mosquito-borne parasitic infection
- dengueMosquito-borne viral disease
- encephalitisInflammatory brain condition
- feverElevated body temperature
vector · transmission · plasmodium · carrier · parasite · infection · outbreak · epidemic · tropical · prevention
buzzing
Low vibrating hum
- swattingFraudulent emergency calls as harassment
- peskyMildly but persistently irritating
- nuisanceCause of aggravation
irritating · bothersome · aggravating · infuriating · exasperating · vexing · irksome · troublesome · harassing · plaguing
repellent
Causes strong aversion
- citronellaAromatic insect-deterring oil
- coilsConnected loops of material
- netsMesh devices for catching
screens · zapper · spray · candles · eucalyptus · permethrin · ultraviolet · trap · fogger · incense
outdoors
In open air
barbecue · tropics · humidity · wetlands · swamps · billabong · evening · twilight · balmy · muggy
larvae
Immature metamorphosing creatures
breeding · stagnant · water · lifecycle · diptera · proboscis · antennae · wings · thorax · abdomen
mozziesbeneficial insects
Arthropods aiding agriculture
pollinators · butterflies · ladybirds · fireflies · bees