Is 'chigger' an offensive term?

ummmm. NO
chigger etymology

No, “chigger” isn’t an offensive word, and neither is “niggardly” or “niggling.”

Here’s an unfortunate blast from the past: https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/local/longterm/williams/williams020499.htm

I don’t think it’s offensive (just an unfortunate coincidence). That said, I would’ve chosen “berry bugs” given the choice.

No.
Having said that I vote for obnoxious sumbitches.

And don’t forget Tigger, bouncy bouncy fun fun fun fun fun!

^^^^
But the most wonderful thing about Tiggers, is I’m the only one!!!

@Forever_Free You’ve been holding out on us! Being a Tigger must help you when you play beach volley ball!

@janbb It is tough finding good tigger spandex too

You ever run into problem men that hog the ball @Forever_Free, because they think women don’t have what it takes?

@Forever_Free You need a hole for the tail. (I’ll just leave that there.)

No. It is a take-off of the word jigger, also not offensive.

I have heard it used as an insult. Calling someone a chigger is implying they are a worthless, annoying pest.

Why would it be?
Having said that is motherfucker an offensive term?

@Dutchess_III All the time!!!! I observed this in soccer and racquetball as well. Wasn’t a fan of teammates that did that. I would call them out or watch the women outplay them and put them in their place.

@janbb be careful what you “leave out there” for my tigger tail

I mostly played competitive coed but a friend asked me to join her church group to put this one guy in his place.
I’d call out that I had it and he’d come barging in. I stepped out of his way a couple times (he was much bigger than me) but finally said “No more.”
Next play that was “mine” I called it….and planted. I saw him charging down on me and I turned my shoulder slightly so he’d hit the back of my shoulder, and he sent me flying! Just knocked the hell out of me.
I got back up, turned to him with hands on my hips and said “I called it!!”
He never did it again.

No more than “Digga”, or “nigero”.

Umm…isn’t that a bug?

Are you asking if it’s offensive to use to describe a bug? Or are you asking if it’s offensive to use to describe a person?

Offensive to whom?