Rapscallion

A rapscallion is a mischievous or playful troublemaker - a word heard across the South and Appalachia for someone full of harmless mischief.

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #Southern

synonyms: rascal, scamp, trickster, mischief-maker

Hillbilly Dude Says...

'Rapscallion' is one that I remember vividly - my Momma used it often when I was growin' up. I'd say I don't hear it as much as I used to, but it's a good'un, like skallywag.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

'Rapscallion' is one that I remember vividly - my Momma used it often when I was growin' up. I'd say I don't hear it as much as I used to, but it's a good'un, like skallywag.

Pronunciation

[RAP-skal-yun]
/ˈræp.skæl.jən/

Meaning & Usage

- A mischievous person (noun)

Ruby:

Who tracked mud through my kitchen?

June:

Must’ve been that little rapscallion of yours.

variations: rascallion, rascal

★ When Southerners call somebody a rapscallion, it’s mostly said with affection - like "rascal," just dressed up a little finer. ★

Origin and Etymology

The word rapscallion began as a humorous twist on "rascallion," itself a longer form of "rascal." It appeared in English by the 1600s and spread to America through early settlers. While it faded from everyday use in most regions, it stayed strong in Southern and Appalachian speech, used for rowdy kids, pranksters, or anyone too ornery to sit still. Its survival here reflects how Southern English kept old words alive long after they vanished elsewhere.

Usage Notes

Still common in family talk and storytelling across the South, rapscallion usually carries warmth and humor. It’s the sort of word grandparents use with a wink - fussin’ without real fussin’.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

What does "rapscallion" mean in the South?

It means a mischievous person - a rascal or scamp, usually in a lighthearted way.

Is "rapscallion" Southern?

It began in old English, but it found a lasting home in Southern and Appalachian speech, where it’s still used naturally today.

Is it always an insult?

Not really. It’s often said with affection - a gentle way to fuss at someone for harmless mischief.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 19). Rapscallion. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/rapscallion
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Rapscallion." HillbillySlang.com, 19 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/rapscallion.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Rapscallion." HillbillySlang.com. October 19, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/rapscallion.