scamp Meaning & Definition
What Does Scamp Mean?
Scamp is used as a noun meaning A rascal, swindler, or rogue; a ne'er-do-well. It is also used to mean A mischievous person, especially a playful, impish youngster. As a verb, it means To skimp; to do something in a skimpy or slipshod fashion.
Scamp: Key Facts
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /æ/ |
| Synonyms | rascal, rapscallion and scallywag |
| Plural | scamps |
| Verb forms | scamps, scamping, scamped |
Scamp Definition (Noun)
- A rascal, swindler, or rogue; a ne'er-do-well.
- A mischievous person, especially a playful, impish youngster.
My nephew is a little scamp who likes to leave lighted firecrackers under the lawnchairs of his dozing elders.
Scamp as a Verb
- To skimp; to do something in a skimpy or slipshod fashion.
Noun
- A preliminary design sketch.
Synonyms of Scamp
Scamp synonyms and antonyms →Scamp in a Sentence
My nephew is a little scamp who likes to leave lighted firecrackers under the lawnchairs of his dozing elders.
While walking home from the bar, he was set upon by a bunch of scamps who stole his hat.
Word Forms & Grammar
scamp (plural scamps)
scamp (third-person singular simple present scamps, present participle scamping, simple past and past participle scamped)
Words That Rhyme With Scamp
Origin of Scamp
Origin 1: From Middle Dutch schampen (“slip away”), from Old French escamper (“to run away, to make one's escape”), from Vulgar Latin *excampāre. Compare escape.
Origin 2: Perhaps related to sense 1, but influenced by the later attested skimp; however, compare Icelandic skamta (“to dole out, to stint”), which is related to skammur (“short”).
Frequently Asked Questions About Scamp
Is scamp a noun or a verb?
Scamp is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.
What is another word for scamp?
Close synonyms of scamp are rascal, rapscallion and scallywag. See the full list of scamp synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of scamp?
The plural of scamp is scamps.
What is the past tense of scamp?
The past tense of scamp is scamped. The present participle is scamping.