Word Study
spalpeen
CIDE DICTIONARY
spalpeen, n. [Ir. spailpin, fr. spailp a beau, pride, self-conceit.].
A scamp; an Irish term for a good-for-nothing fellow; -- often used in good-humored contempt or ridicule. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
spalpeen, n. Ir.
1 a rascal; a villain.
2 a youngster.
1 a rascal; a villain.
2 a youngster.
Etymology
Ir. spailp{iacute}n, of unkn. orig.
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