whippersnapper

• whipper-snapper
• whipper snapper

Extension of *whip-snapper (“a cracker of whips”), or perhaps from snipper-snapper. Compare also whipperginnie (“term of abuse for a woman”), late 16th c.[1]

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈwɪpəˌsnæpə/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈʍɪpəɹˌsnæpəɹ/

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whippersnapper (plural whippersnappers)

1. (colloquial, dated) A young and cheeky or presumptuous person; often with a connotation of ignorance via inexperience. [from 1670s]

   These whippersnappers have never had to walk far or carry water.

   • 2004, Chris Wallace, Character: Profiles in Presidential Courage:

     Eisenhower thought that the President-elect, his junior by over 25 years, was merely a "young whippersnapper."

• upstart