なきむし

なきむし describes a person (usually a child) who cries frequently or easily. Can also be written in kanji as 泣(な)き虫(むし).

Etymology

泣(な)き (crying, from 泣(な)く) + 虫(むし) (bug). ～虫(むし) names a person given to a habit or weakness, as in the words below.

Usage

Most commonly used among children as a mild taunt. Adults may use it self-deprecatingly (子供(こども)の頃(ころ)はなきむしだった — I was a crybaby as a kid). Not strongly offensive but can sting depending on context.

Related words

• 弱虫(よわむし): coward, weakling
• 怠(なま)け虫(むし): lazybones
• 甘(あま)えん坊(ぼう): clingy/spoiled person
• 意気地(いくじ)なし: coward, gutless person
• 照(て)れ屋(や): easily embarrassed person