Word
rascal
Phoneticsras·cal, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹæskəɫ/
UK/ɹˈɑːskəl/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a person, often a child, who behaves badly but is still liked. You use it for someone who is annoying or tricky in a playful way.
n. a person, especially a child or man, who shows a lack of principles or behaves mischievously. Often carries a tone of affectionate reproach rather than genuine condemnation.
Examples
“That little rascal hid my car keys again.”
“The old man smiled as he watched the neighborhood rascals trying to climb the apple tree.”
“While the character is technically the antagonist, the audience finds him a charming rascal whose wit and audacity make his various crimes seem like harmless pranks.”
Examples
simple
“That little rascal hid my car keys again.”
contextual
“The old man smiled as he watched the neighborhood rascals trying to climb the apple tree.”
complex
“While the character is technically the antagonist, the audience finds him a charming rascal whose wit and audacity make his various crimes seem like harmless pranks.”
Usage
Often used as a playful or affectionate term of address for children.
Real-World Examples
“Then, aged eight in Apple Tree House on CBeebies he played Eli, a young rascal on an estate of well-intentioned young rascals.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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