whipper-snapv.
/ˈwɪpəsnap/, U.S. /ˈ(h)wɪpərˌsnæp/ intransitive. To behave like a whippersnapper; to be impertinent.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > impudence > be or become impudent [verb (intransitive)]
to bear oneself stout1338
to have the (also a) neck (to)c1395
perk1529
pert1637
to brazen it out1712
to be (also get) smart1736
to push (also show) a face1765
to cheek it1851
whipper-snap1908
1908 W. De Morgan Somehow Good xi. 100 The lines they might elect to whipper-snap on were not to be those of sentimental nonsense.
1913 D. H. Lawrence Sons & Lovers xiii. 349 Think I'm goin' ter have you whipperty-snappin' round?
Derivatives
ˈwhipper-snapping n. and adj. (and variants.)
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > impudence > [noun] > pertness or brashness
sauciness1534
pertness1573
puppyism1776
sauce1786
puppyhood1849
puppydom1855
puppyishness1879
freshness1880
brashness1883
whipper-snapping1925
the mind > emotion > pride > impudence > [adjective] > pert or brash
pertc1405
skipjack1598
puppily1682
whelpish1688
saucy1710
owdacious1751
minxing1767
puppyish1775
puppy-like1792
brash1824
pertish1836
cheekish1838
uppish1841
tossy1848
fly1884
soubrettish1891
whipper-snapping1925
in your face1975
1925 D. H. Lawrence Refl. Death Porcupine 231 Oh, the universe has a terrible hole in the middle of it, an oubliette for all of you, whipper-snappering mongrels.
1973 Times 11 Apr. 13/5 Jackie Rea, a former champion, there to match whipper-snapping with an old dog's tricks.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1986; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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v.1908