imp
/ɪmp/ (bre, ipa) · [ˈɪmp] /ɪmp/ (ame, ipa) · [ˈɪmp] /ˈimp/ (ame, mw)
imp — noun
- impsingular
- impsplural
1. In stories and traditional tales, a tiny creature that looks partly human and pa
In stories and traditional tales, a tiny creature that looks partly human and partly animal, known for making trouble and playing tricks on people using magic.
An old book told of an imp that lived under the bridge and frightened travellers.
A mischievous imp in Irish stories stole bread and hid it in a tree.
used in storytelling about folklore creatures
Felix drew a green imp with pointed ears, a long tail, and tiny horns.
According to legend, an invisible imp hides people's keys when they are in a hurry.
- demon
more powerful and seriously evil than an imp; an imp is small and tricksome, not truly dangerous
- goblin
a larger, uglier creature in folklore that is often more hostile and less playful than an imp
- gremlin
a modern folklore imp blamed specifically for mechanical problems on planes or machines
- sprite
a fairy-like being that is more playful than malicious; less focused on causing trouble
- angel
a heavenly being that is good and kind, the opposite of a mischievous spirit
2. A child, especially a young one, who behaves in a slightly naughty but charming
A child, especially a young one, who behaves in a slightly naughty but charming or amusing way, without meaning any real harm.
The Parks' little imp of a daughter hid the remote control behind the sofa.
Yara grinned like a playful imp at her grandmother and then ran off laughing.
noun phrase 'a playful imp' used affectionately in comparison
The class imp, Mateo, put a plastic frog on the teacher's chair.
Aunt Rosa called the boy a cheeky little imp after he tied her shoelaces together.
- rascal
very similar tone, often used for older children; slightly more old-fashioned than 'imp'
- scamp
nearly identical meaning; slightly less common in modern American English
- little devil
idiomatic expression with the same playful feel; more exaggerated in tone
用法筆記
This sense is always affectionate or playful — the speaker is amused, not angry. For truly bad or harmful child behaviour, words like 'brat' or 'menace' are more appropriate. 'Imp' suggests the mischief is cute and the child is likable despite the trouble they cause.