scallywag

Everyday

1. (informal, old-fashioned, playful) A child or person who behaves badly but in a cheeky, likeable way; a rascal. tree →
2. (US history) After the American Civil War, "scalawag" was an insult for white Southerners who supported the Union government. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, grandparents might call a cheeky child "you little scallywag" with a smile. In stories, scallywags are mischievous characters, like pirates or naughty children. The US history sense is spelt "scalawag". Phrases: you little scallywag, a bunch of scallywags.

Examples

• "Come here, you little scallywag!" laughed Grandad. tree →
• The puppy is a scallywag — he stole my sock. tree →
• A gang of scallywags knocked on doors and ran away. tree →
• The pirate captain was a lovable scallywag. tree →
• My little brother is a real scallywag at bedtime. tree →
• Those scallywags ate all the biscuits! tree →

Note

Usually affectionate, not a strong insult. Also spelt "scalawag" (US). Similar words: rascal, rogue, rapscallion, scamp.