imp
n.a small, naughty creature from old stories that likes to play tricks on people. You can also use this word to describe a child who is acting a bit wild or mischievous.
n.a small, mischievous creature in folklore, often depicted as a lesser demon. Frequently used metaphorically to describe a child whose behaviour is playfully troublesome.
“The little imp hid his sister's shoes under the bed.”
“In the old folk tale, a tiny imp causes chaos in the kitchen by souring the milk and hiding the spoons.”
“The painting depicts a grotesque imp perched upon the sleeper's chest, a classic visual representation of the 'nightmare' common in medieval European superstition.”
Often used as a playful or affectionate insult for a mischievous child.
“Harpo eventually became famous as the mute, devilishly childlike imp, but in the early years, he delivered verbal quips along with his pantomine.”