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larrikin

larrikin

9.9
Behaving in a noisy, cheeky way that ignores rules
  • adjective
  • Australian
translation icon : travieso
  • With a larrikin grin, she danced on the tables, completely disregarding the rules of the party.

Examples

  • The comedian was known for her larrikin sense of humor and playful pranks.

  • Despite his larrikin behavior, everyone admired his honesty and spirit.

  • His larrikin attitude often got him into trouble at school.

  • The larrikin boy climbed the tree despite the warnings.

  • She has a larrikin attitude that makes everyone laugh.

  • His larrikin antics always kept us entertained during the long meetings.

  • The larrikin group of friends often pulled pranks on each other, making every gathering lively.

Synonyms

rebellious
vslarrikin
43 4.5

Not willing to follow rules or authority

is more playful and cheeky, often less about principled resistance
unruly
vslarrikin
41 4.3

Difficult to control and messy or noisy

adds a cheeky, mischievous attitude and deliberate rule disregard to that disorder
rambunctious
vslarrikin
13 7.5

Very noisy and full of energy that is hard to control

focuses more on cheeky rebellious actions rather than mere high energy
rough-and-tumble
vslarrikin
  • Informal
3 7.3

Energetic and rough, not following usual rules

is closer to mischievous cheeky behaviour rather than just rough physical play
riotous
vslarrikin
2 7.9

Noisy violent behavior in public that is out of control

is more mischievous and cheeky, typically less violent or destructive
pranky
vslarrikin
  • Informal
1 7.7

Shows playful energy and plays small tricks to surprise people

is more often noisy and cheekily breaks rules rather than only playing tricks
lippy
vslarrikin
  • Offensive
1 8.7

Rude or cheeky when talking back to people in charge

is broader, involving noisy mischievous acts and intentional rule breaking
laddish
vslarrikin
  • UK
8.9

Being loud and rude, often in groups of young men

is similar but more about cheeky rule-breaking than group male behaviour
rumbustious
vslarrikin
  • Informal
9.9

Loud and lively in a rough, out of control way

carries more mischievous, cheeky intent and deliberate rule ignoring

How Mischievous

mischievous
19 3.5
larrikin
  • Australian
9.9
rowdy
34 3.6
boisterous
18 4.7
cheeky
  • Informal
33 4.8
playful
79 1.6

Surface Forms

larrikin positive

Etymology

Larrikin comes from Australian English in the 1800s and was used for noisy, mischievous young people. A helpful way to remember it is to think of the word lark, which means a 'playful adventure', so to be larrikin is to act cheeky and enjoy a little rule-breaking or fun.