What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
imp
Example
The little imp snuck up behind his sister and scared her. [imp: noun]
Example
She had an impish grin on her face as she played a prank on her friend. [impish: adjective]
scamp
Example
He's always been a bit of a scamp, but we love him anyway. [scamp: noun]
Example
She scamped her way out of detention by convincing the teacher she had a doctor's appointment. [scamped: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scamp is more commonly used than imp in everyday language, especially in modern contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between imp and scamp?
Neither imp nor scamp are particularly formal words, and both are more commonly used in casual or informal settings.
