Whippersnapper
A whippersnapper usually means a young or small person.
Most often, older people use this phrase for children or youth.
My friend Pamela Noel’s father often said, “You little whippersnapper.” He called her this “if I was good or ugly.”
Many people view a whippersnapper as unimportant. The young person has:
- More confidence than ability
- More ambition than education
However, young people have to learn. They may only be knee high to a grasshopper. That does not make them unimportant.
A thesaurus lists several synonyms for whippersnapper.
They include:
- Pip-squeak
- Runt
- Lightweight
Pamela’s father probably meant those when her behavior was good.
Other synonyms include:
- Sneak
- Troublemaker
- Brat
Pamela’s father probably meant those when her behavior was “ugly” or bad.
Whether we are whippersnappers or over the hill, may we all follow good guidance.
How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. (Psalm 119:9 NIV).
Thanks to Pamela Noel for the suggestion and Gail Gosser for the photo of three of my favorite whippersnappers.
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