Balmain bug

noun

Bal·​main bug ˈbal-ˌmān- How to pronounce Balmain bug (audio)
: an edible marine crustacean (Ibacus peronii synonym I. incisus of the family Scyllaridae) that occurs mainly along the coast of southern Australia, has a flattened, reddish-brown body, and may reach a length of 9.8 inches (25 centimeters)
In fact, the Balmain bug is another crustacean, recognizably of lobster descent but smaller and sweeter.—Clive Irving, Condé Nast Traveler, November 1994
Balmain bugs could star in their own horror movie. They look like mutant lobsters—flatter and broad-shouldered.—Marjie Lambert, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2006

Word History

Etymology

after Balmain, town and fishing port near Sydney, Australia

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Balmain bug was in 1970

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Dictionary Entries Near Balmain bug

balmacaan

Balmain bug

bal masqué

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Balmain bug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Balmain%20bug. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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