rascal

[ ras-kuhl ]

noun

1. a base, dishonest, or unscrupulous person.

   Synonyms: scapegrace, miscreant, villain, scamp, rapscallion

2. a mischievous person or animal:

   That child is a real rascal.

rascal

/ ˈrɑːskəl /

noun

1. a disreputable person; villain
2. a mischievous or impish rogue
3. an affectionate or mildly reproving term for a child or old man

   you little rascal

   the wicked old rascal kissed her

4. obsolete.
   a person of lowly birth

adjective

1. obsolete.
   prenominal
   1. belonging to the mob or rabble
   2. dishonest; knavish

Other Words From

• rascal·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rascal¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English rascaile, raskaille, from Old French rascaille “rabble”; perhaps akin to rash ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of rascal¹

C14: from Old French rascaille rabble, perhaps from Old Norman French rasque mud, filth

Synonym Study

See knave.

Example Sentences

“He’s such a smart, detailed guy,” said Steele, a Nashville-based songwriter who’s had hits with Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, LeAnn Rimes and others.

From Los Angeles Times

Major labels weren’t investing in grime - despite hopes they would after Dizzee Rascal's debut record Boy In Da Corner took off the previous year.

From BBC

During pop singer Remi Wolf's set, for instance, she ran around the stage waving the Progress Pride Flag while singing a cover of the Rascal Flatts hit "Life is a Highway."

From Salon

Sure he had his faults, but to his adoring fans that just made him a lovable rascal.

From Los Angeles Times

“And then I read the script, and my character is such a little rascal, and is funny, and she gets in on all the nonsense, that I was like, ‘This is the best thing I’ve ever read.’”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bum
• liar
• scoundrel
• swindler
• wretch