Meaning
Behaving mischievously, foolishly or disruptively instead of taking matters seriously. Informal. The force ranges from affectionate criticism of horseplay to a sharper complaint about disruptive behaviour. Regional use: Ireland; Hiberno-English.
Origin
This established Hiberno-English expression has recently received wider dictionary recognition, but its precise formation is uncertain. English maggot once also meant a whim, caprice or odd fancy, which may be relevant; the evidence does not justify turning that possible semantic connection into a definite origin story.
Research Sources
References used to check this entry’s meaning, history, or documented forms.
Variants
- Act the maggot
- Play the maggot
- Stop acting the maggot
Usage Examples
- Stop acting the maggot and help me carry these chairs.
- The pupils were only acting the maggot until the rehearsal began.