whippersnapper

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English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Extension of *whip-snapper (“a cracker of whips”), or perhaps from snipper-snapper. Compare also whipperginnie (term of abuse for a woman), late 16th c.[1]

Pronunciation

Noun

whippersnapper (plural whippersnappers)

  1. (colloquial) A young and cheeky or presumptuous person; often with a connotation of ignorance via inexperience.
    These whippersnappers have never had to walk far or carry water.
    • 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."

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References

  1. ^ Douglas Harper (2001–2024) “whipper-snapper”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.