The U.S. Public Health Services admits to frustration in its attempts to destroy the cockroach. As soon as the scientists devise a puissant chemical, some bugs succumb. But the hardy one survive and breed a resistant strain. Since the average female produces close to three hundred descendants, little hope is held out for a final solution to the roach problem. Nevertheless, extermination champaign continue unabated. Surprisingly, some sentimental souls become maudlin as they consider the persecution of the insects. A writer noted for his levity made a lugubrious plea for a crash program of aid for the cockroach, calling him “a victim of his slum environment.”
- tongue in cheek – with ironic or flippant intent
- ironic – ironis, mengejek
- intent – maksud
- flippant – kurang ajar, sembrono
- devise – merancang, merencanakan
- puissant- having great power or influence
- succumb – mati, kalah
- breed – berkembang biak
- strain – keturunan
- descendant- keturunan, anak cucu
- roach – kecoa
- champaign – open level countryside, padang
- unabated- berlanjut
- maudlin- cengeng, mudah terharu
- persecution- penganiayaan
- levity – kesembronoan
- lugubrious- looking or sounding sad and dismal, penuh kesedihan
- plea- a request made in an urgent and emotional manner
- aid – bantuan
- slum – perkampungan kumuh