🔊 Pronunciation: /ˈnɪpər/
(NIP-er)
🗣️ Part of Speech: Noun
Definition:
A nipper is a young child or small boy/girl, often used informally or affectionately.
It can also refer to a small tool used for cutting or pinching, depending on context.
Examples:
- "The little nipper ran around the playground laughing."
- "Watch out! That nipper can be surprisingly fast for his age."
- "He grabbed the nippers from the toolbox to cut the wires."
(Refers to a young child.)
(Informal way to describe a small, energetic child.)
(Refers to a small cutting tool.)
🧠 Bonus Tip:
The word nipper comes from the verb nip, meaning to bite, pinch, or pinch off.
Over time, it developed two main uses:
- Informal for children, often cheeky or lively ones.
- Tools, small instruments designed to cut or pinch materials.
💡 Think of it like:
A tiny, feisty kid or a handy little tool. Context tells you which meaning is intended.
Use “nipper” when talking about a young child or a small cutting tool, often in informal or playful contexts.