In Cornwall, tourists are most famously and colloquially referred to as "Emmets." The term comes from the Cornish word for "ant," specifically referring to the way tourists appear to swarm the beaches and narrow coastal paths in large, busy groups during the summer months, much like ants on a disturbed nest. While the term is often used with a touch of lighthearted local humor, it can sometimes carry a derogatory undertone depending on the speaker's intent and the behavior of the visitors. In response to the "Emmet" label, some tourists have started referring to themselves as "Grockles," though that term is more native to neighboring Devon and Somerset. Beyond these slang terms, the tourism industry in Cornwall—which is vital to the local economy—prefers the standard "visitors" or "guests." In 2026, as Cornwall navigates the complexities of overtourism, the term "Emmet" remains a staple of the local lexicon, symbolizing the tension between the economic necessity of tourism and the desire of residents to maintain the tranquil, rugged character of the Cornish landscape.