Balmain bug

noun

Bal·​main bug ˈbal-ˌmān- 

: an edible marine crustacean (Ibacus peronii synonym I. incisus of the family Scyllaridae) that occurs mainly along the coast of southern Australia, has a flattened, reddish-brown body, and may reach a length of 9.8 inches (25 centimeters)

In fact, the Balmain bug is another crustacean, recognizably of lobster descent but smaller and sweeter.

—Clive Irving, Condé Nast Traveler, November 1994

Balmain bugs could star in their own horror movie. They look like mutant lobsters—flatter and broad-shouldered.

—Marjie Lambert, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2006

Word History

Etymology

after Balmain, town and fishing port near Sydney, Australia

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

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