Etymology

From , , probably alteration of , originally a diminutive form of a base represented by Old English maþa (Scots mathe), from common Germanic root *mathon-, from the Proto-Indo-European root *math-, which was used in insect names. Near-cognates include Dutch made, German Made and Swedish mask. The use of maggot to mean a fanciful or whimsical thing derives from the folk belief that a whimsical or crotchety person had maggots in his or her brain.

Noun

1. A soft, legless larva of a fly or other dipterous insect, that often eats decomposing organic matter.
2. A term of insult for a 'worthless' person, as if a bug.

   Drop and give me fifty, maggot.

3. A whimsy or fancy.

   Mr. Beveridge's Maggot, an old country dance http://www.izaak.unh.edu/nhltmd/indexes/dancingmaster/Dance/Play4199.htm.

   • 1620, John Fletcher, Women Pleased, III.iv.

     Are you not mad, my friend? What time o' th' moon is't? / Have not you maggots in your brain?