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4 Responses to ““Lightning Bugs” in the CS Monitor”

1. Justin Says:
   July 22nd, 2007 at 4:23 am

   Kels I would agree “lightning bugs” have always been the correct term for them fast little bugs…

2. Melissa Says:
   July 23rd, 2007 at 6:41 am

   It’s funny-in CA, where we don’t have the little bugs, they seem to be referred to as fireflies. But here in IN they are definitely lightening bugs. Here’s an interesting entry from Answers.com

   “lightning bug
   n.

   See firefly.

   REGIONAL NOTE Although firefly remains the literary and formal word, lightning bug is the term used by the majority of Americans for the slow-moving flying insect that flashes in the dark. Nearly 80 percent of those interviewed for the Dictionary of American Regional English volunteered lightning bug, while not quite 30 percent said firefly (including those who said both). Only in the northernmost states, especially New England, and along the Pacific coast, does firefly hold its own with lightning bug. Bug itself is nowadays an American term; since the 18th century, the British have preferred insect.”

3. Kelsey S. Says:
   August 7th, 2007 at 8:45 pm

   I grew up calling them Fire Butts!!

4. Kelsey Says:
   August 8th, 2007 at 9:37 am

   Fire butts? What part of the country do you hail from.

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