scamp1

 
Pronunciation: /skamp/

noun

informal
  • 1a person, especially a child, who is mischievous in a likeable or amusing way: some little scamp stuffed tissue paper in between the hammer and the bell
  • 2West Indian a wicked or worthless person; a rogue: that man was a scamp, a damn thief

Derivatives

scampish

adjective

Origin:

mid 18th century (denoting a highwayman): from obsolete scamp 'rob on the highway', probably from Middle Dutch schampen 'slip away', from Old French eschamper. Early usage (still reflected in West Indian English) was derogatory