Gadfly
/ˈɡæd.flaɪ/noun
A person who annoys others, especially by persistent criticism or questioning; also a bloodsucking fly.
Did you know?The first half comes from Old English *gād* meaning a goad or pointed stick, so the word originally described a fly that behaves like a tiny weaponized spur.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
gādflēoge
“a biting fly that drives cattle with its sting”
Middle English
ME
gad(e)fly
“a stinging or pestering fly”
Modern English
English
gadfly
“a biting fly; later, a persistent irritant or critic”
Old English
OE
gād
“a goad, pointed stick for driving animals”
Old English
OE
flēoge
“fly, insect”