What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gamin
Example
The gamin ran through the streets, dodging cars and playing with his friends. [gamin: noun]
Example
She smiled at the gamin's antics as he tried to steal an apple from the fruit stand. [gamin's: possessive noun]
urchin
Example
The urchin begged for food outside the bakery, hoping for a scrap of bread. [urchin: noun]
Example
He admired the urchin's bravery as she climbed the tree to retrieve her lost ball. [urchin's: possessive noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Urchin is more commonly used than gamin in everyday language. Urchin is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while gamin is less common and may be considered outdated or archaic in some contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gamin and urchin?
Both gamin and urchin are informal words that are typically used in casual or literary contexts. However, urchin is more commonly used and may be considered more neutral in terms of formality.