'Rapscallion' is one that I remember vividly - my Momma used it often when I was growin' up. I'd say I don't hear it as much as I used to, but it's a good'un, like skallywag.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Rapscallion' is one that I remember vividly - my Momma used it often when I was growin' up. I'd say I don't hear it as much as I used to, but it's a good'un, like skallywag.
Pronunciation
[RAP-skal-yun]
/ˈræp.skæl.jən/
Meaning & Usage
- A mischievous person (noun)
Lighthearted scolding
Ruby:
Who tracked mud through my kitchen?
June:
Must’ve been that little rapscallion of yours.
variations: rascallion, rascal
★ When Southerners call somebody a rapscallion, it’s mostly said with affection - like "rascal," just dressed up a little finer. ★
Origin and Etymology
The word rapscallion began as a humorous twist on "rascallion," itself a longer form of "rascal." It appeared in English by the 1600s and spread to America through early settlers. While it faded from everyday use in most regions, it stayed strong in Southern and Appalachian speech, used for rowdy kids, pranksters, or anyone too ornery to sit still. Its survival here reflects how Southern English kept old words alive long after they vanished elsewhere.
Usage Notes
Still common in family talk and storytelling across the South, rapscallion usually carries warmth and humor. It’s the sort of word grandparents use with a wink - fussin’ without real fussin’.
Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...
Who tracked mud through my kitchen?