cockroach theory

proper noun

A theory which states that unexpected negative news from a business is possibly an indicator that more negative news is incoming.

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Meanings

proper nounthe cockroach theory
  1. businessA theory which states that unexpected negative news from a business is possibly an indicator that more negative news is incoming.

Origin

From the idea that spotting one cockroach indicates that more are probably nearby.

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

cockroach theory. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/cockroach%20theory

MLA

“cockroach theory.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/cockroach%20theory. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “cockroach theory,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/cockroach%20theory.

Source: cockroach theory on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.