Childhood
Ankle biter
Meaning
A slang term for small child.
Examples
Janice is pregnant again. With the twins still only two there’s soon going to be three ankle biters around the place.
Where did it originate?
USA, 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Brum brum
Meaning
Child’s play idiom expressing the sound of a vehicle.
Examples
Mummy, my toy train goes chuff, chuff, chuff and my car goes brum, brum.
Where is it used?
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Children should be seen and not heard
Meaning
Old proverb suggesting that children should not impinge on the adult world.
Examples
Grandma is a bit strict. We shouldn’t judge her though – things were tougher in her childhood. She was expected to be seen and not heard.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Rarely used seriously any longer. Now more likely be heard in black and white movies than in real life.
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Gee gee
Meaning
Childish term for a horse.
Examples
Now Jimmy, whats that picture? Is it a bar lamb or is it a gee-gee?
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Widely used, but more in the UK than elsewhere and mainly in conversation with small children.
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Little devil!
Meaning
An exclamation of surprise and annoyance, directed at someone who has behaved badly or performed some kind of prank. Often applied to children.
Examples
Do you know what those little devils from next door have done now? They’ve tied the doorknob to the gatepost and I can’t get out.
Where did it originate?
Britain – 17th century.
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain, but used occasionally elsewhere too.
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New kid on the block
Meaning
Someone new to the group or area.
Examples
Let’s go and play with him. Its hard being the new kid on the block.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Ups a daisy
Meaning
A saying, usually to a child, after a stumble or fall, to encourage them to get up. (ups is a variant of whoops).
Examples
Ooh, Tommy the toddler, fallen over again have you? Never mind – ups a daisy and let’s try again.
Where did it originate?
America, 20th century. The expression sounds old and English, but it isn’t.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but considered dated and coy by many.
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Wet behind the ears
Meaning
Young and naive, like a new-born baby.
Examples
That Justin Bieber; he thinks he’s all grown up but he’s really pretty wet behind the ears.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 1910s
Where is it used?
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Whipper snapper
Meaning
A child or impertinent youth.
Examples
The fourth form have challenged the teachers to a tug of war. We can’t lose against a bunch of kids – let’s show those whipper snappers how it’s done.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Widely used but a little old fashioned.
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