guttersnipe

USAGE SUMMARY

'guttersnipe' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is primarily used to describe a person who is dirty, unruly, and often poor, living on the streets or in the gutters. Example: The old woman turned her nose up at the young guttersnipe begging for change outside the grocery store. She couldn't stand the sight of the ragged clothes and unkempt appearance.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

May's studies of the London "guttersnipe" and the coster girl rapidly made him famous.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Why don't they straighten up the mess that's inside?" Beechey says Eliza "gives as good as she gets" and triumphs by becoming independent of Higgins, who thought - not having any understanding of the gentle sex - that if he pulled the guttersnipe out of the gutter he could control her, too.

Independent

In President Truman's abusive letter to the music critic who wrote disparagingly of Margaret Truman's singing, Truman ended by saying, "Pegler, a guttersnipe, is a gentleman alongside you.

The New Yorker

It works retroactively in art history — to a notional fork in the road a half century ago that via Rothko, say, led to the high-mindedness of Tate Modern and, via the wild side of Francis Bacon, foreshadowed the guttersnipe Y.B.A.s.

The New Yorker

E-mail address GO SIGN UP Share Tweet In President Truman's abusive letter to the music critic who wrote disparagingly of Margaret Truman's singing, Truman ended by saying, "Pegler, a guttersnipe, is a gentleman alongside you.

The New Yorker

O'Reilly, in response, called Corn a "guttersnipe" and a "zealot," who was engaged in a "political hit job".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Dirty Boys A slow, jerky trudge of brusque, visceral guitars and rudely honking baritone sax, this finds Bowie musing about living "something like Tobacco Road" and heading off to "Finchley Fair" in search of excitement, however guttersnipe-low: "When the die  is cast and we have no choice,  we will run with dirty boys".

Independent

In polls, fewer than one in five Americans say lawyers make a big contribution to society or display high ethical standards putting the profession even lower than such guttersnipes as journalists.

The Economist

Their explosive debut single, "White Riot," and eponymous first album (both 1977) were tinny and cranked-up in volume and tempo the perfect aural signature for scrappy underdogs in stenciled, paint-spattered thrift-shop clothes whose credo was "The truth is only known by guttersnipes".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Anchored at the dawn of the 20th century in a brawny, lawless, magical Manhattan inhabited by flying horses, roving Irish gangs, lascivious guttersnipes, clam-digging marsh dwellers and consumptive damsels on rooftops, its apostrophes to wonderment came off as organic.

The New York Times - Books

In any event, I would like to use this opportunity to plead on behalf of the tabloids and those guttersnipes who work for them, in the netherworld.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "guttersnipe", be aware of its potentially derogatory connotation. Consider the context and audience to ensure it doesn't come across as insensitive or offensive.

Common error

Avoid using "guttersnipe" in formal or professional settings where a neutral or respectful tone is required. Opt for terms like "underprivileged youth" or "street child" to maintain objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The word "guttersnipe" primarily functions as a noun, designating a person, often a child, who lives in the streets and is typically poor and unkempt. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term is used to describe individuals from the lowest social or economic classes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "guttersnipe" is a noun used to describe a person, typically a child, living in poverty on the streets. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and meaning. Although grammatically correct and frequently found in News & Media sources, its potentially derogatory connotation warrants careful consideration. Related terms include "street urchin" and "waif", each carrying slightly different nuances. When writing, it’s important to be mindful of the context and audience to avoid unintentional offense. As the term appears in various authoritative sources, understanding its historical context is vital for appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

street urchin

Focuses on the image of a child living and surviving on the streets.

slum kid

Highlights the impoverished environment the child comes from.

waif

Emphasizes the vulnerability and abandonment of the child.

street child

A more neutral term denoting a child who lives on the streets.

pavement princess

An old-fashioned and somewhat derogatory term for a girl from the streets.

ragamuffin

Refers to a child in tattered clothing, often implying a mischievous nature.

underprivileged youth

A more formal and politically correct term highlighting the lack of opportunities.

child of the streets

Emphasizes that the streets raised and shaped the individual.

lower-class youth

Refers directly to social and economic standing of children.

economically disadvantaged child

Highlights their lack of economic advantages.

FAQs

How can I use "guttersnipe" in a sentence?

You can use "guttersnipe" to describe a person, typically a child, who lives in the streets and is often poor and unkempt. Example: The play tells the story of a young "street urchin", once a "guttersnipe", who rises above his circumstances.

What are some synonyms for "guttersnipe"?

Some synonyms for "guttersnipe" include "street urchin", "waif", "ragamuffin", and "slum kid". Choose the word that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

Is it appropriate to use the term "guttersnipe" in modern writing?

While "guttersnipe" is a recognized word, it can be considered derogatory or insensitive due to its association with poverty and low social standing. Use it with caution and consider whether a more neutral term like "child of the streets" or "underprivileged youth" would be more appropriate.

What is the origin of the word "guttersnipe"?

The word "guttersnipe" originated in the late 19th century and refers to someone who lives in the gutters or streets of a city, usually implying poverty and a lack of social standing. It's important to understand this historical context when using the term.