longlegs

noun (daddy longlegs; longlegs — rare alone)

«longlegs» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

Everyday

Usually part of «daddy longlegs»: a name for long-legged creatures. In the UK, Ireland and Australia it often means the crane fly; in the USA and Canada usually a harvestman (a spider-like creature) or a cellar spider. tree →
(informal) A tall person with long legs, as a nickname. tree →

In the lessons

In nature lessons «daddy longlegs» shows how one common name can mean different animals in different countries. Myth: daddy longlegs are not deadly poisonous; they are harmless to people. Phrases: «daddy longlegs».

Examples

A daddy longlegs flew in through the window. tree →
Crane flies are called daddy longlegs in Britain. tree →
In America, a daddy longlegs is often a harvestman. tree →
Daddy longlegs can't hurt you. tree →
«Hey, Longlegs!» his friends called the tall boy. tree →

Note

Usually written «daddy longlegs» or «daddy-long-legs». Myth trap: the story that they are the most venomous spiders is false.

On Mova

Trees and pragmatics of «longlegs» in the school dictionary: every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
«longlegs» in the school dictionary on Mova free.

This page in Markdown → https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/longlegs/