CultureAugust 12, 2026

gadflies

GAD-flayz

Definition

People who persistently annoy or provoke others, especially by asking critical or challenging questions to those in power.

Etymology

Originating in the 16th century, the word combines 'gad' (a spike or goad) and 'fly,' referring to insects that bite livestock, metaphorically applied to persistent, irritating critics.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe right-wing commentators who aggressively criticize and provoke Ocasio-Cortez regarding her personal and political decisions.

Essay: By freezing her eggs, AOC shows a generation of young Latinas the cost of political power

Read the full article ↗

Yahoo

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