noun
scamp
SKAMP
Scamp (noun) means a mischievous but likeable person, especially a playful child. Example: “That little scamp hid my keys again.”
noun
1
A mischievous but likeable person, especially a playful child.
"That little scamp hid my keys again."
2
A dishonest person; a rogue or swindler.
"The old con man was a well-known scamp around town."
verb
1
To do something carelessly or half-heartedly.
"He scamped the report and it showed in the sloppy errors."
How to use scamp
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsually a fondly mischievous person, though it can also mean a swindler or describe sloppy, rushed work.
When to use it
The "mischievous child" sense is affectionate rather than harsh.
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Word forms
- Plural
- scamps
- Third person singular
- scamps
- Past tense
- scamped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
That little _____ hid my keys again.
Etymology
From Old French escamper, "to escape," itself from Vulgar Latin roots meaning "to flee the field" — related to "escape."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for scamp
See all rhymes for scamp →Frequently asked questions
What does “scamp” mean?
The word “scamp” means a mischievous but likeable person, especially a playful child. In plain terms, usually a fondly mischievous person, though it can also mean a swindler or describe sloppy, rushed work.
How do you pronounce “scamp”?
“Scamp” is pronounced SKAMP (/ˈskæmp/ in IPA).
How do you use “scamp” in a sentence?
Here is “scamp” used in a sentence: “That little scamp hid my keys again.”
What part of speech is “scamp”?
Depending on how it is used, “scamp” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “scamp” come from?
The word “scamp” comes from Vulgar Latin. From Old French escamper, "to escape," itself from Vulgar Latin roots meaning "to flee the field" — related to "escape.".
How many meanings does “scamp” have?
“Scamp” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a mischievous but likeable person, especially a playful child.
