If you’re a parent or teacher, you may cringe when you hear kids using slang words. Slang words are typically seen as informal language that lacks proper grammar and vocabulary.
However, there are actually some benefits to children using slang words. They allow children to express themselves and communicate more effectively with their peers, and can even promote creativity and innovation in their language use. In this blog, we’ll explore some common slang words used by children and the positive impact they can have.
20 slang words for children
1. Rascal
- Meaning: (noun) A child who is mischievous or playful in a cheeky way.
- Example: That rascal tipped over the trash can again!
- How To Use: This term can be used to describe a child who is always getting into trouble, but in a playful way.
2. Sprout
- Meaning: (noun) A small, young child.
- Example: Look at that cute little sprout over there!
- How To Use: This term can be used to refer to a young child, typically one who is still quite small.
3. Tike
- Meaning: (noun) A child, especially a young one.
- Example: That tike is always running around and causing chaos.
- How To Use: This term can be used to refer to any child, but is often used to describe a particularly energetic or unruly child.
4. Rugrat
- Meaning: (noun) A young child, especially one who is crawling or just learning to walk.
- Example: We’re having a playdate with some other rugrats this afternoon.
- How To Use: This term can be used to refer to any young child, but is often used specifically to refer to infants or toddlers.
5. Kiddo
- Meaning: (noun) A term of endearment used to refer to a child.
- Example: Hey kiddo, how was school today?
- How To Use: This term can be used to refer to any child, but is often used as a term of affection towards a particular child or group of children.
6. Tyke
- Meaning: (noun) A small child or infant.
- Example: That tyke is really growing up fast!
- How To Use: This term can be used to refer to any young child, but is often used specifically to describe infants or toddlers.
7. Munchkin
- Meaning: (noun) A small, cute child.
- Example: Look at that little munchkin playing with her toys.
- How To Use: This term can be used to refer to any child, but is often used to describe small, cute children.
8. Pipsqueak
- Meaning: (noun) A small or puny child.
- Example: I was such a pipsqueak when I was a kid.
- How To Use: This term can be used to refer to any child who is small or weak.
9. Brat
- Meaning: (noun) A child who is spoiled or misbehaving.
- Example: That brat won’t stop screaming!
- How To Use: This term is used to describe a child who is being particularly difficult or troublesome.
10. Squirt
- Meaning: (noun) A small child.
- Example: My little brother was just a squirt when I left for college.
- How To Use: This term can be used to refer to any young child, but is often used specifically to describe small children.
11. Rugmonkey
- Meaning: (noun) A young child who is constantly on the move.
- Example: That rugmonkey is going to wear me out!
- How To Use: This term is used to describe a child who is very active or energetic, especially one who is constantly running or crawling around.
12. Sprog
- Meaning: (noun) A child.
- Example: I can’t believe how fast my little sprog is growing up.
- How To Use: This term can be used to refer to any child, but is often used as a term of affection towards a particular child or group of children.
13. Young ‘un
- Meaning: (noun) A child, especially a young one.
- Example: That young ‘un is a handful!
- How To Use: This term can be used to refer to any child, but is often used to describe a particularly energetic or mischievous child.
14. Imp
- Meaning: (noun) A child who is mischievous or difficult to control.
- Example: That imp is going to give his parents a heart attack!
- How To Use: This term is used to describe a child who is especially mischievous or difficult to control.
15. Youngster
- Meaning: (noun) A child or young person.
- Example: That youngster is going places!
- How To Use: This term can be used to refer to any child or young person, but is often used to describe a child who shows promise or potential.
16. Tadpole
- Meaning: (noun) A young child.
- Example: That tadpole is growing up so fast!
- How To Use: This term can be used to refer to any young child, but is often used specifically to describe babies or toddlers.
17. Grommet
- Meaning: (noun) A young surfer or skateboarder.
- Example: Those grommets are really tearing it up out there!
- How To Use: This term is used to describe young surfers or skateboarders who are still beginners, but who show promise or dedication.
18. Little ‘un
- Meaning: (noun) A young child.
- Example: That little ‘un sure is cute!
- How To Use: This term can be used to refer to any young child, but is often used as a term of affection or endearment towards a particular child.
19. Minor
- Meaning: (noun) A young person who is under the age of majority.
- Example: No minors allowed in the bar!
- How To Use: This term is used to refer to any young person who is not yet legally allowed to engage in certain activities, such as drinking or voting.
20. Squirtle
- Meaning: (noun) A cute, small child.
- Example: That little squirtle is just adorable!
- How To Use: This term can be used to refer to any cute, small child, but is often used specifically to describe babies or toddlers.