Rapscallion
/ræpˈskæljən/noun
A mischievous, disreputable, or cheeky person.
Did you know?Rapscallion is widely believed to be a playful blend of earlier insults like rascal and scallion, showing how English can literally fuse bad behavior into one word.
Etymological Timeline
14th Century
Old French
rascaille
“rabble, common people; later, a contemptuous term for low or worthless people”
14th Century
French
scallion
“a ragamuffin or scamp; later a disreputable person”
16th Century
English
rascal
“a worthless person, a vagabond, or a member of the rabble”
17th Century
English
rapscallion
“a rogue, scamp, or knave; a mischievous or disreputable person”
Modern English
English
rapscallion
“a mischievous, impish, or slightly disreputable person”