Rapscallion: meaning, definitions and examples
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rapscallion
[ ræpˈskæliən ]
playful mischief
A rapscallion is a mischievous or cheeky person, often implying a degree of playfulness in their behavior. It is commonly used to describe someone who may be a bit of a rascal or troublemaker, but in a lighthearted manner. The term suggests a sense of humor and charm rather than any serious wrongdoing. Hip, witty, or spirited, rapscallions often find themselves in amusing predicaments.
Synonyms
knave, rascal, rogue, scamp, trickster.
Examples of usage
- The rapscallion played pranks on everyone at the party.
- Despite his rapscallion ways, he was loved by his friends.
- The children were a bunch of rapscallions, always getting into trouble.
- She had a rapscallion spirit that made every day an adventure.
Translations
Translations of the word "rapscallion" in other languages:
🇵🇹 rapscallion
- patife
- vagabundo
🇮🇳 बदमाश
- शैतान
- शरारती
🇩🇪 Schlingel
- Raufbold
- Schelm
🇮🇩 nakal
- penjahat
- bandit
🇺🇦 шибеник
- бешкетник
- негідник
🇵🇱 łajdak
- urwis
- drań
🇯🇵 いたずら者
- 悪党
- やんちゃな子
🇫🇷 vaurien
- fripon
- canaille
🇪🇸 pícaro
- sinvergüenza
- travieso
🇹🇷 yaramaz
- haylaz
- serseri
🇰🇷 악당
- 장난꾸러기
- 불량배
🇸🇦 محتال
- مشاغب
- شقي
🇨🇿 násilník
- lump
- zlosyn
🇸🇰 neprávnik
- darebák
- zlosyn
🇨🇳 流氓
- 调皮鬼
- 恶棍
🇸🇮 pobalin
- razbojnika
- nagajivček
🇮🇸 skeið
- brjálæðingur
- skrímsli
🇰🇿 бұзақы
- зұлым
- жаман адам
🇬🇪 ბოროტი
- აფერისტი
- ქურდი
🇦🇿 müxalif
- dələduz
- pislik
🇲🇽 pícaro
- sinvergüenza
- travieso
Etymology
The term 'rapscallion' is believed to have originated in the early 19th century, derived from 'rascal' and possibly influenced by the word 'scallion,' which refers to a type of onion. It captures the spirit of mischievousness and often suggests a playful, endearing quality in a person's antics. The usage of 'rapscallion' indicates a shift from harsher terms for mischief-makers to a more whimsical connotation. Over the years, it has been employed in literature and colloquial speech to describe characters that embody a roguish charm, often causing lighthearted trouble rather than serious harm. The word reflects the cultural attitudes toward mischief and charm, showcasing how language can evolve to soften the implications of bad behavior.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #41,265, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.