GUTTERSNIPES Meaning and
Definition
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Guttersnipes is a noun that refers to individuals, usually children, who come from impoverished or low social-class backgrounds. This term is typically used to describe mischievous or poorly behaved children who live in or frequent the poorer areas of a city or town. The word is often associated with the image of children who roam the streets, often dirty and neglected, engaging in petty crime or begging for survival.
The term guttersnipes derives its meaning from the combination of two words. "Gutter" refers to the low, dirty channels, usually located alongside roads, where rainwater and other waste accumulate. "Snipe" refers to a game bird that is known for its swift and erratic flight. The word collectively paints a vivid picture of children who scavenge and dwell in the gutters, akin to snipes flying through the low, narrow channels.
Guttersnipes are often regarded as street urchins, surviving by their wits and resourcefulness. They are commonly associated with a lack of proper education, poor hygiene, and often engage in activities deemed as socially unacceptable or illegal. However, it is important to note that the term carries historical connotations and may be perceived as derogatory or outdated in contemporary usage.
Overall, guttersnipes refers to impoverished children living in deprived urban environments, often undertaking survivalist behaviors as a result of their disadvantaged circumstances.
Common Misspellings for GUTTERSNIPES
- guttersnipes
- guttersnip
- guttersnipe
- futtersnipes
- vuttersnipes
- buttersnipes
- huttersnipes
- yuttersnipes
- tuttersnipes
- gyttersnipes
- ghttersnipes
- gjttersnipes
- gittersnipes
- g8ttersnipes
- g7ttersnipes
- gurtersnipes
- guftersnipes
- gugtersnipes
- guytersnipes
- gu6tersnipes
- gu5tersnipes
Etymology of GUTTERSNIPES
The word "guttersnipes" has an interesting etymology.
The term originated in the early 19th century and is a combination of two words: "gutter" and "snipe".
The word "gutter" refers to the channels at the edges of streets, designed to collect and carry away rainwater and other waste. In this context, it represents the low, dirty, and poor areas where society's outcasts and poorest people live.
The word "snipe" originally referred to a hunting bird, characterized by its stealth and swift movements. In the early 19th century, it took on a figurative meaning, referring to a person who was mischievous, sly, and looked for opportunities to exploit others.
Similar spelling words for GUTTERSNIPES
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