“Vermin”

“Vermin.” Label used by Fascist leaders to incite violence, whether it be against Jews, immigrants, Roma (‘gypsies‘), or LGBTQ individuals, with the intention of dehumanizing and degrading them.

Volksschädling (German: human pests) is a derogatory term that gained use during the Nazi era, characterizing people as “harmful organisms” due to their non-conformist behavior, with the intention of dehumanizing and degrading them as vermin. The term originated earlier, having been mentioned in literature since 1896 and was used in various contexts at the beginning of the 20th century.

See: Trump’s “Vermin” Remark Sparks Outcry, Draws Nazi Comparisons (April 22, 2025)