whippersnapper

English

WOTD – 5 August 2006

Alternative forms

Etymology

1670s, apparently a "jingling extension" [OED] of *whip-snapper "a cracker of whips," or perhaps an alteration of snipper-snapper (1580s). Compare also late 16c. whipperginnie, a term of abuse for a woman.

Pronunciation

Noun

whippersnapper (plural whippersnappers)

  1. A young and cheeky or presumptuous person.
    • 2004: Chris Wallace, Character: Profiles in Presidential Courage
      Eisenhower thought that the President-elect, his junior by over 25 years, was merely a "young whippersnapper."

Synonyms

Translations

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