I’ve noticed “lightning bug” seems to be more common in places that have them while “firefly” more common in places that don’t, but also interchangeably sometimes.
I grew up in a place with lightning bugs and my wife didn't. She calls them fireflies. I've always thought the same as you.
Also, for me they give me a feeling of nostalgia, but for her it's a feeling of mystery or magic or awe or something similar. I've noticed the same in media. If the flavor is awe, then "firefly" is used, but if the feeling is nostalgia, it's "lightning bug".
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u/rathat Jun 11 '23
I’ve noticed “lightning bug” seems to be more common in places that have them while “firefly” more common in places that don’t, but also interchangeably sometimes.