Nipper (Origin)

by Craig Shrives

What Is the Origin of the Saying "Nipper"?

The term nipper is given as an affectionate nickname to a small boy. Nipper, in sailing terms, refers to members of a crew, usually the small boys that nipped the small lines to the ship's anchor to make it easier to handle.

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Nipper (Origin)

Examples of Use:

  • Look at the little nipper's face as he opened the gift.
  • The last time I saw you, Joseph, you were just a nipper.

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What are idioms? What is figurative language? A list of common grammar errors A list of easily confused words A list of sayings and proverbs