1.
slug
A shell-less land mollusk that moves slowly and leaves a slimy trail. Common in gardens and damp areas, especially during the rainy season.
Usually written in hiragana as なめくじ. The kanji 蛞蝓 exists but is rarely used.
Common expressions
- なめくじに塩 — putting salt on a slug (describes someone who shrivels up or becomes timid, often from embarrassment or fear)
The expression なめくじに塩 is used figuratively to describe someone who shrinks back or loses confidence, similar to the English "like a deer in headlights" (though the nuance is different — it emphasizes shrinking rather than freezing).
Related words
- かたつむり — snail (with a shell)
- ナメクジ — sometimes written in katakana in scientific contexts