ˈwhipper-snap, v.
[Back-formation f. whipper-snapper.]
intr. To behave like a whipper-snapper; to be impertinent. Hence ˈwhipper-snapping (and varr.) vbl. n. and ppl. a.
| 1908 W. De Morgan Somehow Good xi. 100 The lines they might elect to whipper-snap on were not to be those of sentimental nonsense. 1913 D. H. Lawrence Sons & Lovers xiii. 349 Think I'm goin' ter have you whipperty-snappin' round? 1925 ― Refl. Death Porcupine 231 Oh, the universe has a terrible hole in the middle of it, an oubliette for all of you, whipper-snappering mongrels. 1973 Times 11 Apr. 13/5 Jackie Rea, a former champion, there to match whipper-snapping with an old dog's tricks. |