What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tike
Example
The little tike was so excited to see the puppies. [tike: noun]
Example
He was quite the tike when he was younger, always getting into trouble. [tike: adjective]
urchin
Example
The little urchin ran through the streets, causing chaos wherever he went. [urchin: noun]
Example
The sea urchin was covered in sharp spines that made it difficult to handle. [urchin: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Urchin is less common than tike in everyday language, but it is still used in certain contexts, such as describing a child from a lower socio-economic background or a small, raggedy-looking person.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tike and urchin?
Both tike and urchin are informal words and are not typically used in formal settings.
