rapscallion

[ rap-skal-yuhn ]

noun

1. a rascal; rogue; scamp.

rapscallion

/ ræpˈskæljən /

noun

1. a disreputable person; rascal or rogue

Word History and Origins

Origin of rapscallion¹

1690–1700; earlier rascallion, based on rascal

Word History and Origins

Origin of rapscallion¹

C17: from earlier rascallion ; see rascal

Example Sentences

A profile of Mr. Coleman in Rolling Stone called Bill “a rapscallion for our times, a playfully wicked combination of G. Gordon Liddy and Groucho Marx.”

From New York Times

It has also been confirmed that two-time Oscar winner Zellweger will reprise her role as the beloved, hapless Bridget Jones, and Grant, who did not appear in the third film, will return as dashing rapscallion Daniel Cleaver.

From BBC

A broody loner and inveterate reader of fat, dog-eared paperbacks by Dostoyevsky and Flaubert, our heroine is not entirely unsocialized: There’s the sympathetic paramour dubbed “maybe-boyfriend” and a rapscallion pile of small siblings known as “wee sisters.”

From New York Times

Statistically speaking, the larger the social gathering — especially ones that mash together groups of unfamiliar people — the more likely it is that some rapscallion will ruin the fun for everyone.

From Salon

“He is a very fun rapscallion who likes to have a good time,” said Nia Vardalos, the writer and star of the “Greek Wedding” films, which seemed to refer equally to actor and role.

From New York Times

Related Words

• knave
• miscreant
• rascal
• rogue
• roué
• scalawag
• scamp
• scoundrel