Definition

Noun: 1. A child, especially a young boy: An informal, often affectionate or slightly old-fashioned term for a young child. 2. A grasping claw or pincer: The sharp, claw-like structure on the limb of a crustacean (like a crab or lobster) or other arthropod, used for grasping and cutting.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Child):
  • He's a lively little nipper, always full of energy.
  • I used to play football here when I was a nipper.
• Noun (Claw):
  • The crab raised its powerful nippers in defense.
  • Be careful of the lobster's nipper when you pick it up.

Advanced Usage

• The term "nipper" for a child is primarily used in British and Australian English. It carries a connotation of smallness and liveliness.
• In historical or trade contexts, "nippers" (plural) can also refer to a tool, such as small pincers or pliers used for cutting wire.

Variants and Related Words

• Nip (verb): To bite or pinch sharply. This is the root action from which "nipper" is derived, describing something that nips.
  • The cold wind nipped at our cheeks.

Synonyms

• For child: kid, youngster, tot, tyke, lad (for a boy).
• For claw/pincer: chela, claw, pincer.

Related Phrases

• A pair of nippers: This phrase specifically refers to a tool, such as pliers or forceps.
  • Use the pair of nippers to cut the thin wire.

Noun

1. a grasping structure on the limb of a crustacean or other arthropods
2. a young person of either sex
   • she writes books for children
   • they're just kids
   • `tiddler' is a British term for youngster