The post from Senora Carlota is a reminder that the word cucaracha was applied to people deemed 'undesirable' as well as to the ubiquitous insect.
In Mexico, it can be a pushy beggar, a hanger-on, a petty thief, a turncoat, a hated person (the Federalist General and dictator Huerta), etc.

I remember the 'painted ladies' of Barcelona, with their fancy eyeglasses that resembled butterfly wings, hence the name "mariposa."