PhrasesHub

Ankle biter

    Definitions

      • describe a young child
        Refers to a small child, typically between the ages of one and four years old, who is still learning to walk and often falls down or grabs onto adults' ankles for support.

      • criticize or belittle someone
        Used to describe someone who is quick to judge or criticize, often in a condescending or dismissive manner. Can also be used to describe someone who is annoying or bothersome, especially in a persistent manner.

    Examples of Ankle biter

    • I refuse to let that ankle biter ruin my day.

      "Ankle biter" is a slang term used to describe a small, irritating person or thing. In this example, it is being used to refer to a child who is causing a nuisance or disrupting the speaker's day. The speaker is expressing their determination not to let the child's behavior negatively impact their mood or productivity.

    • She may be small, but she's a force to be reckoned with. She's not an ankle biter anymore, she's a powerhouse.

      This example shows how the meaning of "ankle biter" can change over time as a person grows and develops. Initially, the person being referred to may have been small and seemingly insignificant, but as they mature and prove themselves, they no longer fit the description of an "ankle biter." The phrase "force to be reckoned with" is a metaphorical way of saying that the person is now someone to be taken seriously and respected.

    • The boss can be an ankle biter when he's in a bad mood.

      This example shows how the term "ankle biter" can be used to describe someone who is usually well-respected but can become difficult or irritable in certain circumstances. In this case, the boss is being referred to as an "ankle biter" when he is in a bad mood, implying that he can be a source of annoyance or frustration during those times.

    • The ankle biters in the park are having a blast on the swings.

      This example shows how the term "ankle biter" can be used to describe a group of children, implying that they are small and energetic. The phrase "having a blast" is a colloquial way of saying that the children are enjoying themselves and having fun.

    • I can't believe you let your ankle biter run wild in the store.

      This example shows how the term "ankle biter" can be used to describe a child who is causing a disturbance or being unruly in a public place. The speaker is expressing their disapproval of the other person's parenting skills, implying that they should have better control over their child's behavior in a public setting.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "ankle biter" can be used in two distinct ways. One meaning is to describe a young child who is still learning to walk and often falls down or clings onto adults' ankles for support. This conveys a sense of endearment and playfulness towards the child.

    The other meaning of "ankle biter" is to criticize or belittle someone, often in a condescending or dismissive manner. This usage can also imply annoyance or frustration towards the person being criticized. It is often used in a humorous or sarcastic way, but can also have a negative connotation.

    Origin of "Ankle biter"

    The origin of the idiom "ankle biter" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the late 19th or early 20th century. Some sources suggest that it may have originated in the Australian outback, where small children would playfully bite the ankles of adults while they were working or walking. This behavior was seen as both endearing and annoying, leading to the use of the phrase "ankle biter" to describe young children.

    Another theory is that the term may have originated in the United States, particularly in the early 1900s when the country was experiencing a population boom. The influx of young children may have led to the term being used to describe them as "ankle biters" due to their small size and tendency to cling onto adults' ankles.

    Regardless of its exact origin, the idiom "ankle biter" has become a commonly used phrase in both British and American English, and is often used in a lighthearted or humorous manner to describe young children or criticize someone in a playful way.