tyke

Everyday

1. (informal) A tyke is a small child, especially a cheeky or naughty one, said in a friendly way. tree →
2. (UK, informal) A Tyke is a nickname for a person from Yorkshire. tree →
3. (old, mostly UK) A tyke is a dog of no special breed, a mongrel. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday talk adults call a little child a tyke with affection. In northern England, Yorkshire people are sometimes called Tykes. Phrases: little tyke, cheeky tyke.

Examples

• Come here, you little tyke! tree →
• The cheeky tyke hid Grandad's glasses. tree →
• Even as a tyke, she loved football. tree →
• (UK) He's a proper Yorkshire tyke. tree →
• The old farmer's tyke barked at the gate. tree →
• Those tykes have muddy footprints all over the floor. tree →

Note

Informal and friendly, not rude for a child. Spelling: tyke (sometimes tike). Can be a slight insult for an adult.