“Cootie” is a slang word that usually means a made-up germ, bug, or something “gross” that people, especially children, say they want to avoid. It can also be used to mean an annoying person in a playful way.
People often use “cootie” in a joking or childish way, like saying someone has “cooties” if they think that person is dirty, weird, or not to be touched. It is most common in schoolyard talk and light, playful conversation.
Meaning & Usage
“Cootie” is not a formal word. In everyday speech, it usually refers to imaginary germs or a silly reason to stay away from someone. For example, children may say, “Don’t touch me, you have cooties!”
Examples
“He acted like I had cooties after I sneezed.”
“The kids were joking about cooties on the playground.”
Is “cootie” a real word?
Yes, it is a real word, but it is informal and mostly used in playful or childish speech.
Do adults use “cootie”?
Sometimes, but mostly in a joking way or when talking about childhood.
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