stripling

American  

[strip-ling] / ˈstrɪp lɪŋ /

noun

1. a youth.

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stripling British  

/ ˈstrɪplɪŋ /

noun

1. a lad

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Etymology

Origin of stripling

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at strip ², -ling ¹

Explanation

You can use the old-fashioned noun stripling to talk about a teenager, though few people these days will know what you're talking about. Like many old words in English, the -ling in this one clues you up that it's a smaller version of the real thing. Exactly how the strip part applies is lost in the mists of time, but it may have to do with being thin as a strip from lacking the muscular development of full manhood: the word stripling is a somewhat poetic epithet for a youth.

Example Sentences

Stripling kept a $12.5 million salary after going 0-5 with a 5.36 ERA in 11 starts and 11 relief appearances.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 6, 2023

Stripling spent his first four-and-a-half seasons with the Dodgers.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 10, 2023

“This team doesn’t necessarily have that, but we’re kind of getting there,” Stripling said.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 10, 2023

Ross Stripling is the Giants’ likely starter, but they haven’t made it official.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 9, 2023

So thin and wan,—and he hath shot up into a tall Stripling during the last few Months.

From Mary Powell & Deborah's Diary by Manning, Anne