gamin

[ gam-in ]

noun

1. a neglected boy left to run about the streets; street urchin.

gamin

/ ˈɡæmɪn; ɡamɛ̃ /

noun

1. a street urchin; waif

Word History and Origins

Origin of gamin¹

From French, dating back to 1830–40, originally boy assisting a glassblower, young boy; of uncertain origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of gamin¹

from French

Example Sentences

Now began what she called her literary school-boy life (vie d'ecolier litteraire), her vie de gamin.

From Project Gutenberg

Little cared for by his father, he was brought up by his grandfather, a tailor, who let him roam the streets as a gamin.

From Project Gutenberg

Master and dog were hustled outside the gate and into a rabble of jeering slum gamin.

From Project Gutenberg

"Neither Georges nor the Dragon are honest souls enough to trust themselves with their cups," said the knowing gamin.

From Project Gutenberg

She has been scolding me, though if it comes to that I gave it her back with far more gamin in my tongue.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• child
• kid
• little one
• young one
• youngster
• youth