an imp and an old imp

[NewHope]

A child who is playful and mischievous is called an imp or an urchin. And an old man who is still playful and mischievous like an imp should be called an old imp?

[Tdol]

Why not? In British English we might say an 'old rogue'.

[NewHope]

But how do you call a man who is really a rogue like that of 'rogue nation North Korea"?

[Tdol]

'Old rogue' is not as strong in this meaning- the collocation softens it. An 'oldrogue' is generally likeable.

[Francois]

Yes, 'old' often softens curse words. 'Bitch' is a notable exception ;)

FRC

[NewHope]

Hehe,very interesting.

[Tdol]

Yes, 'old' often softens curse words. 'Bitch' is a notable exception ;)

FRC

'Old fart' is another.

[Casiopea]

Yes, 'old' often softens curse words. 'Bitch' is a notable exception ;)

FRC

'Old fart' is another.

:wink: y'ol dog, you

[Tanja]

By the way, I'll stick my question to this topic :D :

What epithet (or how it is called) do native English speakers use more frequently: Old Nick or Old Harry?

And what those poor guys are guilty for...

[Casiopea]

By the way, I'll stick my question to this topic :D :

What epithet (or how it is called) do native English speakers use more frequently: Old Nick or Old Harry?

And what those poor guys are guilty for...

I can't say. I've never heard those terms used in North American English. What about, Tom, Dick, and Harry? As a phrase, it's used to refer to any guy in general, any Tom, any Dick, and any Harry. :wink: