spalpeen

[ spal-peen, spal-peen ]

noun

, Irish English.

1. a lad or boy.
2. a rascal; scamp.

spalpeen

/ ˈspælpiːn /

noun

1. an itinerant seasonal labourer
2. a rascal or layabout

Word History and Origins

Origin of spalpeen¹

1770–80; < Irish spailpín seasonal hired laborer, rude person, scamp, equivalent to spailp spell, bout, turn + -ín noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of spalpeen¹

C18: from Irish Gaelic spailpín itinerant labourer

Example Sentences

I see'd him onc't knock the top-lights out of a murtherin' spalpeen who was afther injurin' yer Honor's reputation.

From Project Gutenberg

Shure, when that dirty little spalpeen av a Caggs went back on us so, what could Oi do?

From Project Gutenberg

Wait out there, like a jewel, till I put the beast away, and then you shall call me spalpeen again.

From Project Gutenberg

“Go along away out of that, you blundering spalpeen,” said he, with a cuff on the ear.

From Project Gutenberg

Ah, go'long wid ye—ye bloody young spalpeen—ye're no more afraid than I am!

From Project Gutenberg