The spelling of the word "imp" may seem straightforward, but its pronunciation is trickier. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /ɪmp/. The "i" is pronounced as a short "ih" sound, while the "m" is pronounced as a normal "m" sound. This three-letter word refers to a mischievous or troublesome child or creature, often described as a devilish or supernatural being. So, next time you see or hear the word "imp," remember to pronounce it as /ɪmp/.
An imp is a mythical creature characterized as a small, mischievous and often malevolent being. Typically found in folklore and fairy tales, an imp's appearance may vary, but they are often depicted as small, human-like creatures with pointed ears, horns, and sometimes small wings. They are known for their cunning nature, leading them to play tricks and practical jokes on humans and other creatures, often causing mischief and minor disruptions.
Imps are believed to possess magical abilities and are associated with witchcraft and sorcery. Historically, they were considered to be minor demons or evil spirits that could be summoned or employed by witches for the purpose of carrying out their wicked deeds. Sometimes, an imp is portrayed as a shape-shifter, able to assume various forms to deceive its victims.
The term "imp" has also been used metaphorically to describe someone, especially a child, who is mischievous, playful, or full of energy. In this sense, it highlights a person's lively and sometimes troublesome character, emphasizing their tendency to engage in pranks or practical jokes.
Overall, an imp signifies a small supernatural creature known for its trickery and mischievous behavior, often associated with legends and folklore, as well as a lively and playful individual who enjoys causing harmless chaos.
• A scion; a shoot; a child; generally in a bad sense, as an imp of hell; a little devil.
• To graft; to lengthen or extend.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "imp" has an interesting etymology. It originated in Middle English around the late 14th century. Its earliest known form was "ympe", which derived from Old English "impa" meaning "young shoot, graft". The word was used specifically to describe a young tree or plant that is transplanted or grafted onto another. The sense of the word gradually expanded in the 15th century to include other forms of grafting or imposition.
By the late 16th century, "imp" took on a new meaning as a noun to describe a child, specifically a young child or offspring of the devil. This association arose from the belief in medieval folklore that demons or evil spirits could have offspring with humans. These offspring were referred to as "imps". Over time, the term "imp" became more broadly used to describe mischievous or rascally children.