spalpeen

[ spal-peen, spal-peen ]

noun

, Irish English.

1. a lad or boy.
2. a rascal; scamp.

spalpeen

/ ˈspælpiːn /

noun

1. an itinerant seasonal labourer
2. a rascal or layabout

Word History and Origins

Origin of spalpeen¹

1770–80; < Irish spailpín seasonal hired laborer, rude person, scamp, equivalent to spailp spell, bout, turn + -ín noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of spalpeen¹

C18: from Irish Gaelic spailpín itinerant labourer

Example Sentences

Children who grew up on the streets of New York City years ago had infinite fun just running wild in the streets and alleys with only a spalpeen to play with.

From New York Times

This Manus, the dirty spalpeen, there was no ho with him; he thought to ride rough-shod over his betters through the whole country, though he was not one of the real stock of the O'Rourkes.

From Project Gutenberg

Eagerly the boys had talked over the possibilities of Levi being a spy, Dennis firmly contending that there was not "spunk enough in the little spalpeen to do anything for himself."

From Project Gutenberg

"There comes that little spalpeen ag'in!" cried Dennis suddenly, as he looked back and saw that Levi was following discreetly in the distance.

From Project Gutenberg

If I had that little spalpeen, Levi, here, I'd get some satisfaction, anyway!

From Project Gutenberg