Top 29 Slang For Mischievous – Meaning & Usage

Mischievous individuals add a spark of excitement and spontaneity to our lives, but how do we describe them in today’s lingo? Fear not, as we’ve curated a list of the trendiest slang terms that capture the essence of mischief-makers everywhere. Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of playful antics and sly shenanigans with our comprehensive guide to the top slang for mischievous individuals.

Click above to generate some slangs

1. Prankster

This term refers to someone who enjoys playing tricks or practical jokes on others for amusement. A prankster is known for their mischievous nature and their ability to create laughter through their pranks.

For example, “He’s always pulling pranks on his friends, he’s such a prankster.”
In a group of friends, someone might say, “Watch out for him, he’s the resident prankster.”
A person might describe themselves by saying, “I love being a prankster, it keeps life fun and entertaining.”

2. Rascal

A rascal is someone who is mischievous and often causes trouble or engages in playful and sometimes harmful behavior. This term is often used to describe someone who is cunning or sly in their mischievous actions.

For instance, “He’s always getting into trouble, he’s such a little rascal.”
In a school setting, a teacher might say, “That group of students are a bunch of rascals.”
A parent might affectionately call their child a rascal, saying, “Oh, you little rascal, what trouble have you gotten into now?”

3. Troublemaker

A troublemaker is someone who intentionally causes problems or disruptions, often for their own amusement or to provoke a reaction from others. They enjoy stirring up trouble and creating chaos in various situations.

For example, “He’s always causing trouble wherever he goes, he’s such a troublemaker.”
In a workplace, someone might say, “We need to address the troublemaker in our team.”
A person might describe a sibling by saying, “Growing up, my sister was always the troublemaker of the family.”

4. Scamp

A scamp is a term used to describe a mischievous person, often with a playful or roguish nature. It implies a sense of charm and mischief in their actions, while also suggesting a sense of innocence.

For instance, “He’s such a scamp, always getting into some kind of mischief.”
In a group of friends, someone might say, “He’s the lovable scamp of the group.”
A parent might affectionately describe their child as a scamp, saying, “Oh, you little scamp, what have you done now?”

5. Imp

An imp is a term used to describe a mischievous creature or person who enjoys causing trouble or playing pranks. It often implies a sense of supernatural mischief or a playful and mischievous nature.

For example, “He’s such an imp, always up to no good.”
In a fantasy setting, someone might say, “Beware of the mischievous imps in the enchanted forest.”
A person might describe a sibling by saying, “My brother was always an imp, constantly pulling pranks and causing chaos.”

6. Rapscallion

A rapscallion is a mischievous or rascally person who often causes trouble or engages in playful mischief. The term is often used affectionately to describe someone who is playful or cheeky.

For example, a parent might say, “My son is such a rapscallion, always getting into some kind of mischief.”
In a lighthearted conversation about childhood memories, someone might say, “Remember when we used to be little rapscallions and play pranks on our friends?”
A friend might jokingly refer to another friend as a rapscallion, saying, “You’re such a rapscallion, always finding ways to stir up trouble!”

7. Scallywag

A scallywag is a mischievous or roguish person who often engages in playful mischief or behaves in a cheeky or sly manner. The term is often used affectionately or humorously to describe someone who is a bit of a troublemaker.

For instance, a teacher might say to a student, “You little scallywag, always finding ways to avoid doing your homework!”
In a conversation about childhood pranks, someone might say, “We were a bunch of scallywags, causing chaos wherever we went.”
A parent might affectionately refer to their child as a scallywag, saying, “My little scallywag keeps me on my toes with their mischievous antics!”

8. Mischief-maker

A mischief-maker is someone who enjoys causing trouble or playing pranks on others. They are often playful and mischievous, seeking to create a sense of fun or excitement through their actions.

For example, a group of friends might refer to one of their members as the mischief-maker of the group, saying, “He’s always coming up with crazy ideas and pranks.”
In a discussion about office pranks, someone might talk about the resident mischief-maker, saying, “We never know what he’s going to do next!”
A parent might refer to their child as a mischief-maker, saying, “She’s always up to something, keeping us on our toes with her playful antics!”

9. Rogue

A rogue is someone who behaves in a mischievous or unpredictable manner, often causing trouble or breaking rules. The term can have both negative and positive connotations, depending on the context.

For instance, a teacher might refer to a student who constantly disrupts the class as a rogue, saying, “He’s a real troublemaker.”
In a discussion about famous fictional characters, someone might mention Han Solo from Star Wars as a rogue, saying, “He’s a lovable rogue, always getting into trouble but ultimately doing the right thing.”
A friend might playfully call another friend a rogue, saying, “You’re such a rogue, always finding ways to stir up some excitement!”

10. Jester

A jester is a mischievous and playful person who often entertains others through jokes, tricks, or comedic performances. They are known for their wit, humor, and ability to bring laughter to others.

For example, in medieval times, jesters were employed by kings and nobles to entertain the court with their antics and jokes.
In a conversation about comedic actors, someone might say, “Jim Carrey is like a modern-day jester, always making people laugh with his crazy antics.”
A parent might refer to their child as a little jester, saying, “He’s always cracking jokes and keeping us entertained with his mischievous sense of humor!”

11. Trickster

A person who plays tricks or pranks on others, often with the intention of causing mischief or confusion. “Trickster” can also refer to a character in folklore or mythology who uses cunning and deception to achieve their goals.

For example, a mischievous child might be called a “little trickster.”
In a discussion about mythology, someone might mention, “Loki is one of the most famous trickster characters.”
A person might describe a clever prankster as, “He’s always coming up with new tricks. He’s a real trickster.”

12. Scoundrel

A person who is dishonest, unscrupulous, or mischievous. “Scoundrel” is often used to describe someone who is up to no good or engages in deceitful behavior.

For instance, a character in a movie might be referred to as a “conniving scoundrel.”
In a discussion about politics, someone might say, “That politician is a real scoundrel.”
A person might warn a friend about someone’s intentions by saying, “Be careful, he’s a known scoundrel.”

13. Hoodlum

A person who engages in disruptive or unlawful behavior, often with a disregard for authority or societal norms. “Hoodlum” is a term that originated in the United States and is often associated with street gangs or criminal activity.

For example, a news report might describe a group of rioters as “hoodlums.”
In a discussion about school discipline, someone might mention, “We need to address the hoodlum behavior in our classrooms.”
A person might warn a friend about a dangerous neighborhood by saying, “Watch out for the hoodlums in that area.”

14. Delinquent

A person, typically a young person, who regularly engages in illegal or antisocial behavior. “Delinquent” is often used to describe someone who has a history of breaking the law or causing trouble.

For instance, a police officer might refer to a young offender as a “juvenile delinquent.”
In a discussion about crime rates, someone might say, “We need to address the delinquent behavior in our community.”
A person might describe a group of rowdy teenagers as, “Those delinquents are always causing trouble.”

15. Hooligan

A person who engages in rowdy, disorderly, or violent behavior, often as part of a group. “Hooligan” is a term that originated in the United Kingdom and is often used to describe unruly football (soccer) fans or individuals who participate in street violence.

For example, a news report might describe a group of fans involved in a brawl as “hooligans.”
In a discussion about crowd control, someone might mention, “We need to prevent hooligan behavior at sporting events.”
A person might warn a friend about a potentially dangerous situation by saying, “Avoid that area, it’s full of hooligans.”

16. Vandal

A vandal is someone who intentionally destroys or damages property, often in a mischievous or malicious manner. The term is commonly used to describe individuals who engage in graffiti, defacing public spaces, or other acts of destruction.

For example, “The vandals spray-painted graffiti all over the side of the building.”
In a discussion about public safety, someone might say, “We need to crack down on vandals who are causing damage to our community.”
A news report might state, “The park was closed temporarily due to an incident of vandalism.”

17. Puck

A puck is a term used to describe someone who enjoys playing pranks or practical jokes. It is often used to refer to individuals who engage in light-hearted mischief and enjoy teasing or tricking others.

For instance, “He’s always pulling pranks on his friends. He’s such a puck.”
In a conversation about April Fools’ Day, someone might say, “I love being a puck and coming up with creative pranks.”
A person might describe themselves as a puck by saying, “I can’t resist the opportunity to play a good-natured prank on someone.”

18. Charlatan

A charlatan is someone who pretends to have knowledge or skills they do not possess, often with the intention of deceiving others for personal gain. The term is commonly used to describe individuals who engage in dishonest practices or make false claims about their abilities.

For example, “He claimed to be a medical expert, but he was exposed as a charlatan.”
In a discussion about scams, someone might warn, “Beware of charlatans who promise quick and easy ways to make money.”
A news article might expose a fraudulent individual by stating, “The self-proclaimed psychic was revealed to be a charlatan.”

19. Scalawag

A scalawag is a term used to describe someone who is mischievous or playful in a harmless way. It is often used to refer to individuals who engage in playful pranks or minor acts of mischief for fun.

For instance, “He’s always up to something. He’s such a scalawag.”
In a conversation about childhood memories, someone might say, “I have fond memories of being a scalawag and causing harmless mischief with my friends.”
A person might describe themselves as a scalawag by saying, “I can’t resist the temptation to pull a harmless prank every now and then.”

20. Scally

A scally is a slang term used to describe someone who is mischievous or engages in petty acts of troublemaking. It is often used to refer to individuals who are involved in minor acts of mischief or cause annoyance to others.

For example, “The scallies in the neighborhood were always causing trouble.”
In a discussion about disruptive behavior, someone might say, “We need to address the issue of scallies causing disturbances in public spaces.”
A news report might state, “The school has implemented measures to address scally behavior and promote positive student conduct.”

21. Jokester

A person who enjoys playing practical jokes or pulling pranks on others. “Jokester” is a lighthearted term used to describe someone who is mischievous in a playful way.

For example, “He’s always the jokester in our group, constantly coming up with funny pranks.”
A parent might say, “My son is such a jokester, always trying to make people laugh.”
In a comedy show, a character might be described as a “loveable jokester” for their mischievous antics.

22. Japester

Similar to a jokester, a japester is someone who enjoys playing tricks or pranks on others. The term “japester” is often used to describe someone who is mischievous and cunning in their practical jokes.

For instance, “He’s known as the japester of the office, always coming up with clever pranks.”
Friends might refer to someone as a “master japester” for their ability to pull off elaborate tricks.
A character in a book might be described as a “sly japester” for their mischievous nature.

23. Whippersnapper

Originally used to describe a young and inexperienced person, “whippersnapper” has evolved to also refer to someone who is mischievous or impertinent, often in a playful or cheeky way.

For example, “That whippersnapper just pulled a prank on me!”
An older person might affectionately refer to a mischievous child as a “little whippersnapper.”
In a playful argument, someone might say, “You little whippersnapper, always causing trouble!”

24. Sneak

A person who engages in secretive or covert actions, often for mischievous purposes. “Sneak” is a term used to describe someone who is sly, cunning, and prone to engaging in mischief or causing trouble.

For instance, “He’s always sneaking around, trying to play pranks on people.”
A teacher might say, “That student is such a sneak, always finding ways to disrupt the class.”
In a story, a character might be described as a “sneaky troublemaker” for their mischievous behavior.

25. Hoodwinker

A hoodwinker is someone who deceives or tricks others through cunning or deceitful means. The term “hoodwinker” is often used to describe someone who is mischievous and manipulative in their actions.

For example, “He’s a master hoodwinker, always able to trick people into believing him.”
A friend might say, “Don’t trust him, he’s a hoodwinker who will try to take advantage of you.”
In a movie, a character might be described as a “clever hoodwinker” for their ability to outsmart others.

26. Malarkey

This word is used to describe something that is silly, foolish, or untrue. It is often used to dismiss or express disbelief in someone’s statement or claim.

For example, if someone tells a far-fetched story, you might respond, “That’s just a bunch of malarkey.”
In a debate, one might say, “Don’t try to convince me with that malarkey.”
A person might use the word jokingly, saying, “Quit your malarkey and get to work!”

27. Shyster

This term refers to a person who is dishonest or unscrupulous, especially in business or legal dealings. It is often used to describe someone who tries to deceive or cheat others for personal gain.

For instance, if someone is known for scamming people, you might say, “Watch out for that shyster.”
In a discussion about unethical lawyers, one might comment, “Some shysters give the legal profession a bad name.”
If someone falls for a con artist’s scheme, they might say, “I can’t believe I got tricked by that shyster!”

28. Tomfool

This word is used to describe a person who is foolish, silly, or prone to playful or mischievous behavior. It is often used in a lighthearted or affectionate way.

For example, if someone is pulling pranks or making jokes, you might say, “He’s such a tomfool.”
In a playful argument, one might tease, “You’re acting like a real tomfool right now.”
A parent might affectionately scold their child, saying, “Stop being a tomfool and do your homework!”

29. Knave

This term refers to a person who is dishonest, deceitful, or mischievous. It is often used to describe someone who is up to no good or engaging in sneaky behavior.

For instance, if someone is caught stealing, you might call them a knave.
In a discussion about tricksters, one might comment, “He’s a cunning knave, always finding ways to get what he wants.”
If someone plays a prank on their friend, they might say, “I’m such a knave for pulling that off!”