PhrasesHub

Whipper snapper

    Definitions

      • dismissive
        To refer to a young person who is seen as impertinent or insignificant

      • energetic
        To describe a person, usually a young one, who is full of energy and enthusiasm

    Examples of Whipper snapper

    • The company's internships program is filled with whipper snappers eager to prove their worth.

      "Whipper snapper" is used to describe young, inexperienced individuals who are enthusiastic and want to make a positive impression on others. In this example, the program is filled with interns who are just starting out in their careers and are working hard to prove their value to the company.

    • I've seen enough whipper snappers come and go in this job to know the drill.

      "Whipper snapper" is used here to describe new or inexperienced employees who are rapidly rotating through a job or position. The speaker is implying that they have seen many such employees come and go, and have learned to expect the same pattern in the future.

    • The new product is being tested by a group of whipper snappers fresh out of college.

      "Whipper snapper" is used in this context to describe recent graduates who are eager to apply what they've learned in school to real-world situations. The company is likely relying on their young, energetic approach to help develop and test new products.

    • Maybe it's the whipper snappers' fault, but the office is at a standstill today.

      "Whipper snapper" is used here to suggest that young, inexperienced employees may be causing a disruption or delay in the office. The speaker is implying that the work being done by these employees may not be up to standard, or that they are not working efficiently, which is leading to slowed progress.

    • The new guy at the office, fresh out of college, is just a whipper snapper trying to make a name for himself.

      In this example, "whipper snapper" is being used to describe someone who is young and inexperienced, especially in a professional setting. The term comes from the sound made by a whip cracking, suggesting that these people are quick to learn and eager to please, but may not have the experience or maturity needed to handle more important or complex tasks.

    • The CEO's ambitious son has been promoted too quickly and is causing problems for the company. He's just a whipper snapper trying to prove himself to his father.

      Here, "whipper snapper" is being used to describe someone who is impetuous and overeager to succeed, perhaps at the expense of others. The term suggests that these people may lack the wisdom, patience, or social skills needed to navigate complex situations or to work effectively with others. They might also be seen as arrogant or overconfident.

    • The young athlete had a rough season, but he's got a lot of potential. He's still just a whipper snapper, but with some seasoning, he could be unstoppable.

      In this example, "whipper snapper" is being used to describe someone who shows promise, but hasn't yet proven themselves. The term suggests that these people may have raw talent or potential, but need more experience, maturity, or training to reach their full potential. It could also imply that people have a tendency to underestimate these individuals at first, but may come to respect them as they gain more experience and success.

    • The new employee was caught making a mistake, and her boss called her a whipper snapper. It wasn't meant as an insult, but as an encouragement to learn from her mistakes and improve.

      Here, "whipper snapper" is being used in a more positive light, to describe someone who is open to learning and improvement. The term suggests that these people may have a lot to learn, but are also eager to grow and develop. It could also imply that people are generally willing to give these individuals the benefit of the doubt, understanding that they may make mistakes as they learn and grow. However, it could also highlight that they may need more guidance and support to reach their full potential.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "whipper snapper" can be used in a dismissive manner to refer to a young person who is perceived as impertinent or insignificant. It can also be used to describe someone, typically a young individual, who is full of energy and enthusiasm.

    Origin of "Whipper snapper"

    The origins of the idiom "whipper snapper" can be traced back to the 17th century, where "whipper" was used to describe someone who was a "whippersnapper," or a young man who cracked a whip to drive animals. The term was often used in a derogatory manner to refer to a young person who was seen as being arrogant or presumptuous. Over time, the term evolved to be used more broadly to describe any young person who was perceived as impertinent or insignificant. The association with energy and enthusiasm likely came from the idea of a young person being full of vigor and vitality. Overall, the idiom "whipper snapper" has a long history of being used to dismissively refer to young people, as well as to describe their energetic nature.