Scamp: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ˜ˆ
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scamp

 

[skamp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

person

A mischievous or cheeky person, especially a child or young person.

Synonyms

imp, rascal, troublemaker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scamp

Used to describe a child who behaves badly in a playful or mischievous way, but not with harmful intentions.

  • That little scamp hid my shoes under the bed
  • He's always up to some sort of mischief
rascal

Describes someone, typically a child, who behaves mischievously or dishonestly in an amusing way.

  • You little rascal! You ate all the cookies and tried to blame it on the cat
  • That rascal sneaked into the concert without a ticket
imp

Often refers to a small demon or mischievous fairy in folklore. Can also describe a small, naughty child with a sense of fun.

  • The children at the party were running around like little imps, playing tricks on one another
  • He smiled like an imp, knowing he had something up his sleeve
troublemaker

Used for someone who frequently causes problems or disrupts the peace, often with a more negative connotation.

  • The new student was known to be a troublemaker, always getting into fights
  • The company decided to terminate the troublemaker's employment due to their continuous disruptive behavior

Examples of usage

  • The little scamp managed to sneak out of the house when no one was looking.
  • Despite his mischief, everyone found the young scamp endearing.
Context #2 | Verb

action

To run or move quickly or playfully.

Synonyms

bound, dart, dash.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scamp

Use when referring to a mischievous or playful child, usually in a light-hearted or affectionate way.

  • The little scamp pulled a prank on his teacher.
  • Despite his antics, everyone loved the scamp for his cheerful personality.
dash

Use when describing a quick, sudden run or movement, usually with urgency or excitement.

  • She made a dash for the bus as it was about to leave.
  • In the last minute of the game, he dashed forward and scored the winning goal.
dart

Use when referring to a quick, sudden movement, often in a specific direction and usually implying speed.

  • The squirrel darted up the tree upon hearing a noise.
  • He darted towards the exit as soon as the bell rang.
bound

Use when describing a quick, large leap or movement, often with energy and enthusiasm. It can also refer to something inevitable.

  • The deer bounded across the meadow effortlessly.
  • After winning the first set, she was bound to win the match.

Examples of usage

  • The puppy scamped around the garden, full of energy.
  • The children scamped off to play in the park.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'scamp' originated in the early 19th century from the dialect word 'scamp', which meant a rascal or rogue.
  • It is believed to have originated from the Italian word 'scampare', meaning to escape or avoid, reflecting the playful nature of the word.
  • Scamp has often been used affectionately, suggesting a mix of annoyance and endearment towards someone's mischief.

Literature

  • The character of the young scamp appears in many classic stories, often depicted as a clever, resourceful child who outsmarts adults.
  • In children's literature, scamps are often central figures who lead the adventure, showcasing the value of imagination and freedom.
  • The term has been used in various titles and character names, where the 'scamp' often goes on a journey or learns life lessons through playful antics.

Pop Culture

  • In popular cartoons and films, scamp characters often serve as comic relief, providing laughter with their silly escapades.
  • Disney's 'Lady and the Tramp' features a character named Scamp who embodies the adventurous and mischievous spirit associated with the term.
  • The scamp archetype often symbolizes youth and freedom, appealing to our nostalgic memories of childhood antics.

Psychology

  • Children labeled as scamps often display high levels of creativity and problem-solving abilities, using mischief as a way to navigate social interactions.
  • This playful behavior can be a healthy way for children to express their independence and foster resilience.
  • Mischievous behavior in kids, often branded as 'scamping', serves as a developmental tool helping them learn boundaries and develop social skills.

Translations

Translations of the word "scamp" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น patife

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคถเคฐเคพเคฐเคคเฅ€ เคฌเคšเฅเคšเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Schelm

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ anak nakal

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัˆะธะฑะตะฝะธะบ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ล‚obuz

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ„ใŸใšใ‚‰ใฃๅญ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท vaurien

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ truhรกn

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yaramaz

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์žฅ๋‚œ๊พธ๋Ÿฌ๊ธฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุญุชุงู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ roลกลฅรกk

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ nezbednรญk

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆท˜ๆฐ”้ฌผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ nagajivec

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ lรกtur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ัƒะปะฐั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒขแƒแƒชแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ”แƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ลŸฤฑltaq uลŸaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ truhรกn

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,215 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.