litterbug

American  

[lit-er-buhg] / ˈlɪt ərˌbʌg /

noun

1. a person who litters public places with items of refuse.

   Litterbugs had thrown beer cans on the picnic grounds.

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Other Word Forms

• litterbugging noun

Etymology

Origin of litterbug

First recorded in 1945–50; litter + bug ¹

Example Sentences

Early advertising campaigns helped popularize terms like "litterbug," while today the focus has shifted to "chemical recycling," promoted by industry as a way to break plastics down into their basic building blocks.

From Barron's

“What litterbugs,” Iola said with a disapproving shake of her head.

From Literature

“Don’t worry about the litterbugs,” climate activist and San José State University student Edgar McGregor tells me.

From Washington Post

The problem is catching litterbugs in the act.

From Washington Times

Critics of mask mandates also mocked mask litterbugs on social media, posting photos of face coverings found left at parking lots, beaches, parks, trails, sidewalks, streets and other public spaces.

From Fox News