scamp etymology

Etymology

The word "scamp" is derived from the Old Norse word "skammr," which means "shame" or "disgrace." It was first used in English in the 16th century to describe a worthless or mischievous person.

Meaning and Origin

1. Worthless or Mischievous Person:

• A scamp is a person who engages in mischievous or immoral behavior, often without regard for the consequences.
• This sense of the word is derogatory and implies a lack of integrity or morality.

2. Playful or Rambunctious Child:

• In a more playful sense, a scamp can refer to a child who is full of energy and mischief.
• This usage is often affectionate and humorous, without any negative connotation.

3. Rogue or Villain:

• Historically, "scamp" was also used to describe a rogue or villain, especially one who was known for thievery or deception.
• This usage is less common today, but it still survives in some literary and historical contexts.

Example Sentences

• "He was a complete scamp, always getting into trouble."
• "The little scamp was running around the playground, giggling and causing chaos."
• "The legendary outlaw Jesse James was known as a notorious scamp."
• "The old sea captain recounted his adventures with a group of scamps who had stolen his ship."
• "I couldn't help but smile at the sight of my little scamps playing in the leaves."

scamp relate terms

• scamper

  Etymology The word scamper comes from the Middle English word schampen which means

• campus

  Etymology The word campus comes from the Latin word campus meaning field or plain

• scant

  Etymology Middle English scant from Anglo French escant from Old French escant from

• hind

  Etymology The word hind has multiple etymologies Old English hind noun and hin

• rascal

  Etymology Old French rascaille meaning rabble riffraff Vulgar Latin rascalis mean

• rapscallion

  Etymology Rap Scallion Meaning A mischievous or rascally person Origin The word

• perform

• minor

  Etymology The word minor originates from the comparative form of the Latin adjective

• child

  Etymology The word child is derived from the Old English word cild which is itself

• execute

  Etymology The word execute originates from the Latin word exsequor which means to c

• brat

  Etymology Middle Low German brat meaning roast meat Old High German braten meanin