Whiteisms
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Etymology Journal ยท L

Little rascal

Meaning

A playful term for a child who is being mischievous, naughty, or surprisingly clever. It is rarely used to describe someone genuinely malicious.

Endearing, playful

Used in a sentence

  • You little rascal, how did you get the cookies out of the jar?
  • He is such a little rascal when he plays hide and seek.
  • That little rascal drew on the wall with crayons again.

The backstory

Popularized by the 'Our Gang' short films, later titled 'The Little Rascals', in the early 20th century. It became a cultural staple for describing cute but troublesome kids.

Heard in

Nationwide

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