Neutral:
* Cockroach: The most common and straightforward term.
* Pest: Used when emphasizing their nuisance value.
* Insect: A general term for any small, six-legged invertebrate.
* Blattid: The scientific term for cockroaches, more formal.
* Roacher: A more informal slang term, often used in casual conversation.
Negative:
* Creepy: Describing their unsettling appearance and movement.
* Disgusting: Expressing revulsion and disgust.
* Gross: A less formal term for disgusting.
* Repulsive: Emphasizing their unattractiveness.
* Scourge: A more dramatic word, suggesting a harmful or destructive presence.
* Infestation: Describing a large, overwhelming number of cockroaches.
* Pests: Emphasizing their ability to spread diseases and contaminate food.
* Vermin: A very negative term, often used to describe animals considered harmful and undesirable.
Humorous:
* Roachy: A playful, less formal term.
* Critter: A general term for a small animal, can be humorous depending on the context.
* Bug: A common, informal term for an insect, can be lighthearted.
Descriptive:
* Shiny: Describing their smooth, often glossy exoskeletons.
* Agile: Highlighting their quick movements and ability to squeeze through small spaces.
* Nocturnal: Referring to their preference for darkness and activity at night.
* Omnivorous: Describing their diet of various organic matter.
The best words to use will depend on the context and your desired tone.