Whippersnapper Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈwɪpərspnəpər/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A young, impudent upstart, typically used to describe someone who is too bold, presumptuous, or inexperienced.

Examples

• The young entrepreneur, a whippersnapper from the tech industry, revolutionized the way people live and work.
• He’s a whippersnapper trying to take down the entire company with a tiny threat.
• The whippersnapper, full of himself, didn’t know how to treat others with respect.
• She, a whippersnapper in the field, led the team to a groundbreaking discovery.

Synonyms

• Cub
• Newcomer
• Rookie

Antonyms

• Seasoned
• Mature
• Veteran

Additional Information

A whippersnapper can be used to describe someone who is too bold or impudent, often to the point of being annoying or embarrassing. It can also be used to describe someone who is inexperienced or too ready to challenge established authority.

Despite its negative connotations, whippersnapper can also be used in a playful or affectionate way to describe someone who is young, energetic, or full of life.

Etymology

The term “whippersnapper” is believed to have originated in the 17th century, derived from the phrase “whip-snapper”, which referred to a young person who snapped or cracked a whip.

Usage Notes

Whippersnapper is often used to describe someone who is too arrogant or presumptuous, and can be used in a variety of contexts, including business, sports, and social situations.

When used in a positive sense, whippersnapper can be used to describe someone who is young, energetic, and full of life.

Cultural References

Whippersnapper has been used in various cultural references, including literature and film. For example, in Mark Twain’s novel “The Adventures of Huck Finn”, the character Tom Sawyer is described as a whippersnapper.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• To act like a whippersnapper
• To have a whippersnapper attitude

Related Words or Phrases

• Young Turk
• Uppity
• Impudent

Collocations

• young whippersnapper
• bold whippersnapper
• reckless whippersnapper

Frequency of Use

Whippersnapper is not a commonly used term in modern language, but it can be found in various contexts, including literature, film, and everyday conversation.

Common Misspellings

• Whiper Snapper
• Whiper Snapp
• Wipper Snapper