Rascals
/ˈræs.kəlz/noun
Naughty, dishonest, or mischievous people; sometimes used affectionately for playful troublemakers.
Did you know?The word entered English through Old French and Middle French as a term for the common rabble or a rough, lowly crowd before softening into the playful insult we use today.
Etymological Timeline
Middle English
English
rascaille
“A rabble or worthless crowd; common people of low status”
14th-15th Century
Old French
rascaille
“The rabble, riffraff, or base multitude”
Late Latin
Latin
rasicare / rascare
“Likely a vulgar or regional form connected to scraping or scraping off; exact development is uncertain”
Modern English
English
rascal
“A mischievous, dishonest, or impudent person”
Modern English
English
rascals
“Plural of rascal; mischievous or disreputable people”
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