little terror
Definition
Noun: A young child who behaves in a very naughty, disruptive, or difficult-to-control manner, causing a lot of trouble for adults.
Usage
This term is used to describe a child, typically in a mildly exasperated or affectionate way, whose mischievous or energetic behavior is challenging for caregivers, parents, or teachers. It emphasizes the child's capacity to create chaos or be a handful.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is often used humorously or with a tone of fond frustration rather than genuine anger. It acknowledges the child's troublesome behavior while often implying an underlying affection.
- It can be used retrospectively:
Variants and Related Words
- Terror (noun): Used more broadly for someone or something that causes extreme fear. When used for a child, it is an intensified form of "little terror."
- Holy terror (noun, informal): A stronger, more emphatic synonym for a very troublesome child or person.
- Scamp (noun): A synonym that is more affectionate and less strong, meaning a mischievous person, especially a child.
- Rascal (noun): Similar to "scamp," a playful term for a mischievous person.
Synonyms
- Handful (noun, informal): A person, especially a child, who is difficult to control.
- Mischief-maker (noun): A person who causes mischief or trouble.
- Imp (noun): A small, mischievous devil or sprite; used figuratively for a mischievous child.
Related Idioms
- To be a handful: To be difficult to manage or control.
- The twins are adorable but they're a real handful.
- To raise hell / To raise Cain (informal): To behave in a very noisy, wild, or disruptive way. (Note: This is an idiom describing the of the child, not a direct synonym for the child themselves.)
- The kids raised hell in the supermarket until their mom bought them candy.
Noun
-
a very troublesome child
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