scamps
Mischievous young ones
Scamps is the plural of scamp—a mischievous person, especially a child who causes minor trouble in an endearing way: Those little scamps got into the cookie jar again.
The word carries affection rather than real disapproval, suggesting pranks or antics that amuse more than annoy.
Occasionally used for adults behaving roguishly.
Playful, spirited activity
- frolicLighthearted playful movement
- caperPrank or pickled bud
- larkSongbird or escapade
- gambolPlayful leaping about
antic · prank · shenanigan · tomfoolery · horseplay · hijinks · escapade · mischief
Neglected street child
- waifAbandoned, neglected child
- guttersnipeNeglected street youth
- ragamuffinShabby, unkempt child
- street kidHomeless young person
stray · foundling · orphan · gamin · mudlark · beggar · homeless · vagabond
Lovable troublemaker
- rapscallionMischievous person, usually endearing
- scalawagAffectionate term for rogue
- impMinor mischief-making devil
- troublemakerOne who creates discord
prankster · trickster · mischief-maker · devil · hellion · urchin · brat · minx
Fraud who deceives for profit
- grifterPetty fraud perpetrator
- cheatAct dishonestly to win
- fraudsterCriminal deceiver for gain
- hustlerAggressive, unscrupulous earner
charlatan · shark · flimflammer · swindler · deceiver · schemer · trickster · mountebank
Dishonest or uncontrolled agent
- villainWicked story antagonist
- scoundrelDishonest, unscrupulous person
- ne'er-do-wellIrresponsible, idle person
- miscreantEvildoer or villain
delinquent · hoodlum · thug · blackguard · reprobate · wrongdoer · malefactor · outlaw
romp
Playful, spirited activity
gambol · antic · prank · shenanigan · tomfoolery · horseplay · hijinks · escapade · mischief · jest
urchin
Neglected street child
- waifAbandoned, neglected child
- guttersnipeNeglected street youth
- ragamuffinShabby, unkempt child
street kid · stray · foundling · orphan · gamin · mudlark · beggar · homeless · vagabond · drifter
rascal
Lovable troublemaker
- rapscallionMischievous person, usually endearing
- scalawagAffectionate term for rogue
- impMinor mischief-making devil
troublemaker · prankster · trickster · mischief-maker · devil · hellion · urchin · brat · minx · pickle
conman
Fraud who deceives for profit
hustler · charlatan · shark · flimflammer · swindler · deceiver · schemer · trickster · mountebank · impostor
rogue
Dishonest or uncontrolled agent
- villainWicked story antagonist
- scoundrelDishonest, unscrupulous person
- ne'er-do-wellIrresponsible, idle person
miscreant · delinquent · hoodlum · thug · blackguard · reprobate · wrongdoer · malefactor · outlaw · felon
- troublemakerstroublemaker, rascals, delinquents, imps, brats
- youngsterskids, children, youngsters, toddlers, babies
- slackersslackers, loafers, idlers, idler, layabouts
scampsangels
Divine winged messengers
darlings · saints · cherubs · sweethearts · innocents
scampsconformists
Those obeying social norms
teacher's pets · straight arrows · squares · do-gooders · goody-goodies