scamp

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "scamp" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun meaning a mischievous, cheeky person, or a rascal. For example, you could use it in a sentence like this: That little scamp was always getting into trouble.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The boy Mario had soared through baseball, law and politics, but to them he was still the lucky scamp, and he would test out his policy ideas on Momma later to get her earthy, tart reaction.

The Economist

His opponent was an inexperienced scamp who could not name the president of Pakistan.

The Economist

Frank Bruni, who covered his election campaign for the New York Times, wrote in 2002 that "the Bush I knew was part scamp and part bumbler, a timeless fraternity boy and heedless cutup, a weekday gym rat and weekend napster".

The Economist

To be fair, the charm of their exchange also owes a good deal to the scamp at the other end of the sofa, who was clearly born with precisely that kind of perky, jagged acuity associated with – well, Jamie Carragher, for a start.

Independent

His face is still that of an eight-year-old cheeky scamp from a TV ad casting agency, but his Clooney-esque poivre-et-sel hair reveals his age, and his dress sense: blue denim and brown shoes, like a dad at a barbecue, and a grey shirt with sweat patches under the arms, like a summertime strap-hanger on the London Underground.

Independent

The precocious young scamp recently auctioned off her vintage frocks on ebay to raise funds for endangered turtles.

Independent

While there's certainly something of Abba's late-period noir about "You Don't Have a Clue", featuring Anneli Drecker, Junior is mostly the perky young scamp its title suggests, opener and current single "Happy Up Here" packing sweet and bouncy lead synthesiser à la Röyksopp's much-heard 2001 instrumental "Eple".

Independent

A land where every young scamp has a free university education and our arms are open to Syria's refugees.

Independent

"I am a scamp, yes a scamp," he says.

Independent

VII: The scamp As we stand by the Christmas tree, with the door open and the cold wind blowing in, I wonder –does David Irving believe what he says?

Independent

"Florence was everywhere and everywhere was Florence," thinks the Tuscan scamp turned Ottoman warlord Argalia, one of the novel's self-seeking bridge-builders and go-betweens who bind East and West.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scamp" to describe a mischievous but generally harmless person, especially a child. It adds a playful, slightly affectionate tone.

Common error

While "scamp" can be endearing, it's best to avoid using it when describing serious wrongdoings or in professional environments, as it can undermine the gravity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The word "scamp" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a mischievous or playfully dishonest person, often a child. Ludwig provides examples where it describes someone cheeky or a troublemaker.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "scamp" is a noun that describes a mischievous or playfully dishonest person, often a child. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct and it's frequently used, particularly in News & Media contexts. It carries a tone of mild disapproval mixed with affection. When writing, it's best to use "scamp" in informal settings and avoid it in formal or serious situations. Alternatives like "rascal" or "rogue" can be considered, but they also lean towards informality. The abundant examples from Ludwig showcase its common application in describing cheeky or troublesome individuals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rascal

A close synonym, emphasizing mischievousness and a lack of serious harm.

scalawag

Similar to "scamp" and "rascal", with a slightly old-fashioned feel.

rogue

Suggests a more dishonest or unconventional character than "scamp".

mischief-maker

Directly highlights the act of causing trouble or playful disruption.

imp

Implies playful wickedness or devilishness, often in a charming way.

troublemaker

Focuses on the disruptive aspect, often with negative connotations.

wag

Refers to someone playfully mischievous or humorous.

ne'er-do-well

Highlights a lack of ambition or success, alongside a roguish character.

good-for-nothing

Emphasizes worthlessness and idleness, potentially alongside mischievousness.

urchin

Describes a mischievous, often poor or homeless, child.

FAQs

How can I use "scamp" in a sentence?

You can use "scamp" to describe a mischievous person, especially a child, for example: "That little scamp was always getting into trouble."

What are some synonyms for "scamp"?

Some synonyms for "scamp" include "rascal", "rogue", and "mischief-maker", each with slightly different connotations.

When is it appropriate to use the word "scamp"?

The word "scamp" is appropriate when describing someone who is playfully mischievous but not malicious. It's often used affectionately.

Is "scamp" a formal or informal word?

"Scamp" is generally considered an informal word. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "rascal" or "rogue", though their meanings also carry informality.