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gag a maggot

A US slang expression describing something so revolting it would cause even a maggot — an organism that thrives on rot and decay — to retch.

ˈɡæɡ ə ˈmæɡətDocumented since 1980s1980sGen Xhistorical326 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
🗺️ Regional & Other
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Etymology timeline

Born ~1980 · no dated citations yet
1980BornToday, 2026

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Global
#1·Apr 28, 2026Global

A US slang expression describing something so revolting it would cause even a maggot — an organism that thrives on rot and decay — to retch. Used hyperbolically to emphasise extreme disgust or revulsion. The phrase functions as an adjective or predicate adjective in informal speech.

The smell coming from that refrigerator was enough to gag a maggot.
Origin: Hyperbolic expression: if something disgusts even a maggot (which feeds on filth), it must be unbearably revolting. Editorial expansion authored on Slangora.
For parents

"gag a maggot" means a us slang expression describing something so revolting it would cause even a maggot — an organism that thrives on rot and decay — to retch. It is one of many casual words teens pick up from friends, social media, music or sport, and on its own it carries no particular warning. If you hear your teen use it, it is fair to ask what they mean by it in their friend group, since meanings drift quickly. Asking out of curiosity rather than alarm tends to keep the conversation open and useful.

For ESL learners

"gag a maggot" is informal English meaning a us slang expression describing something so revolting it would cause even a maggot — an organism that thrives on rot and decay — to retch. It is used widely across English varieties. A more formal or neutral equivalent would be something like "a us slang expression describing something so revolting it would cause even a maggot — an organism that thrives on rot and decay — to retch" expressed in standard vocabulary. A common mistake is to assume "gag a maggot" can replace its standard equivalent in every register; keep it for spoken or casual situations and use the formal form in writing.

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Global
#2·Apr 27, 2026Global

(US, slang) To cause great disgust or nausea.

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  • “This stuff could gag a maggot.”

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For specific readers

"gag a maggot" means a us slang expression describing something so revolting it would cause even a maggot — an organism that thrives on rot and decay — to retch. It is one of many casual words teens pick up from friends, social media, music or sport, and on its own it carries no particular warning. If you hear your teen use it, it is fair to ask what they mean by it in their friend group, since meanings drift quickly. Asking out of curiosity rather than alarm tends to keep the conversation open and useful.

Why is this section here?

Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.

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🗺️About Regional & Other slang

Regional slang from around the English-speaking world — British, Australian, Irish, Caribbean, Nigerian, Filipino, AAVE, and the hyphenated-English dialects that make the internet sound local.

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