"Guttersnipe" Pronounce,Meaning And Examples

"Guttersnipe" Meaning

A guttersnipe is a slang term used to describe a young, usually urban, person who is considered to be rude, impertinent, or unrefined. The term often connotes a sense of disrespect, impudence, or insolence. It can also refer to a person who is considered to be of low social status or of dubious character.

"Guttersnipe" Examples

Usage Examples of "Guttersnipe"

1. Historical Context

In the Victorian era, a guttersnipe was often referred to as a desperate and ill-mannered young child who lived on the streets, scrounging for food and begging or stealing to survive. The term was particularly applied to children who roamed the streets, often in gangs, and were considered threats to public order.

2. Slang

Today, the term "guttersnipe" is often used in informal contexts to describe someone who is perceived as being particularly insolent, impertinent, or cheeky. For example, "The kid was a real guttersnipe, always talking back to his parents."

3. Literary References

In Mark Twain's novel "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn", the character of Tom Sawyer describes a disagreeable boy as a "guttersnipe". This further solidifies the term's association with mischievous and troublesome young people.

4. Historical Fiction

In a scene from the popular novel "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen", the protagonist Captain Nemo describes a rowdy teenager as a "guttersnipe", hinting at the young person's rough and unsavory reputation.

5. Contextual Usage

To describe someone who is seen as truant or running wild on the streets, a person might say: "Those young punks hanging around the park are a bunch of guttersnipes, always causing trouble and disturbing the peace." In this context, the term carries a sense of disapproval and disparagement.