varmint vs. vermin

varmint

noun

  1. Chiefly Southern and South Midland U.S.
    2. an objectionable or undesirable animal, usually predatory, as a coyote or bobcat.
  2. a despicable, obnoxious, or annoying person.

vermin

noun

plural vermin.
  1. noxious, objectionable, or disgusting animals collectively, especially those of small size that appear commonly and are difficult to control, as flies, lice, bedbugs, cockroaches, mice, and rats.
  2. an objectionable or obnoxious person, or such persons collectively.
  3. animals that prey upon game, as coyotes or weasels.