E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Earwig.
A corruption of the Saxon ear-wicga (ear-insect); so called because the hind wings resemble in shape the human ear. The word has engendered the notion that these insects are apt to get into our ears.
1
An earwig, metaphorically, is one who whispers into our ears all the news and scandal going, in order to curry favour; a flatterer.
