The phrase "little terrors" commonly refers to mischievous or troublesome children. The phonetic transcription of this phrase in Standard American English is /ˈlɪtəl ˈtɛrərz/. The first syllable is pronounced as "lit" with a short "i" sound, followed by the weak vowel "ə", and then the consonant "l". The second word has a stressed "e" sound as in "bet", followed by the consonant "r", vowel "ə", and the consonant "z". The spelling of this phrase accurately reflects its pronunciation in American English.
Little terrors is a colloquial expression that can be used to describe mischievous or naughty young children. It typically refers to children who exhibit a combination of playful and occasionally vexing behavior, often characterized by acts of disobedience, pranks, or general mischief. The term "little terrors" suggests that these children, though small in size, can often cause considerable frustration or discomfort for those around them.
The phrase "little terrors" may be used in a slightly affectionate or teasing tone, typically by parents, guardians, or caretakers who are aware of the misbehavior but recognize it as a natural part of a child's development. However, it can also be employed with a sense of exasperation or annoyance when the behavior becomes particularly disruptive or difficult to handle.
While often used playfully in a familiar setting, "little terrors" can also carry a negative connotation if it implies that a child's behavior is consistently unruly or problematic. The term emphasizes the presence of mischievousness or troublemaking tendencies in a child, and it suggests that the child requires careful supervision or guidance to prevent their antics from causing harm or disruption.
Ultimately, "little terrors" refers to children who, despite their small stature, possess a mischievous nature that can occasionally challenge those who care for them.
The phrase "little terrors" does not have a specific etymology as it is a common idiomatic expression used to describe mischievous or troublesome children. "Little" refers to their young age, while "terrors" emphasizes their behavior or actions. Each word individually has its own etymology:
1. Little: The word "little" originated from Old English "lȳtel", and can be traced back to Proto-Germanic "luti-laz". Over time, it evolved from various Germanic languages to Middle English before adopting its current form.
2. Terrors: The word "terror" entered English from Latin "terror", which is derived from the verb "terrere" meaning "to frighten". It has been used in English since the late 14th century, primarily to signify intense fear or dread.