Whippersnapper

usgb/ˈwɪpərsnæpər/
noun

A young and inexperienced person who is regarded as presumptuous or overly confident.

That whippersnapper thinks he knows everything about technology just because he runs a small website.
Visual representation of "whippersnapper" - A young and inexperienced person who is regarded as presumptuous or overly confident.

Often appears as...

  • young whippersnapper
  • arrogant whippersnapper

Usage tips

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "whippersnapper"
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Cultural Colloquialism

Used more in older generations; may not resonate with younger audiences who prefer contemporary slang.

Illustration for Cultural Colloquialism
Grandpa called the new intern a whippersnapper for trying to change the old filing system.
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Mildly Disparaging

Often used in a playful or mild rebuke, not usually to seriously insult someone.

Illustration for Mildly Disparaging
The teacher smiled and called the most outspoken student a little whippersnapper.
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Not for Professional Settings

Avoid in formal or professional contexts; it's casual and might seem unprofessional or patronizing.

Illustration for Not for Professional Settings
In the board meeting, referring to the young CEO as a whippersnapper wouldn't be appropriate.
Visual representation of the word "Whippersnapper"

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