rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryrapscallionMischievous person
noun

rapscallion

rap-SKAL-yun/ræpˈskæljən/

A mischievous or dishonest person.

The sly rapscallion steals a wallet from the unsuspecting passerby's bag.

A sly pickpocket covertly lifts a wallet from an unsuspecting passerby's open shoulder bag, making the person's dishonesty visible through the action.
Etymology
rapscallionEnglishrascal

Rascallion was a fanciful expansion of rascal, a word used for a low or dishonest person. Rapscallion preserves that sense, including the milder use for someone mischievous.

In context

Storytime Haven342:17
That rapscallion “up back!” Had Valancy Stirling married _him_?
📖 The Blue Castle by L. M. Montgomery | A Tale of Love & Freedom 💙✨

More examples

  • Those rapscallions swapped the salt and sugar again.
  • The charming rapscallion cheats anyone who trusts him.
  • Grandpa calls me a rapscallion when I sneak another cookie.

Forms

rapscallion · rapscallions

Similar words

rascal
Often suggests affectionate disapproval of playful or mischievous behavior.
scoundrel
Emphasizes serious dishonesty or bad character rather than playful mischief.
rogue
Can suggest an appealing rule breaker rather than outright villainy.