nounnoun

der Spitzbube, -n

rascal

Definition & meaning

Spitzbube is a masculine German noun meaning rascal, scoundrel, rogue, or cheeky little devil.

It usually describes someone who is cunning, mischievous, or dishonest. The word can be insulting, but it is also often used playfully or affectionately, especially for a child or someone who has played a harmless trick.

Der Junge ist ein kleiner Spitzbube. — “The boy is a little rascal.”
Du Spitzbube! — “You rascal!” / “You little rogue!”

Depending on context, Spitzbube can therefore range from a mildly teasing expression to a stronger description of a dishonest person. It sounds somewhat old-fashioned or literary today.

Grammar & Word origin

Gender: masculine — der Spitzbube
Plural: die Spitzbuben
Declension: weak masculine noun
- der Spitzbube
- des Spitzbuben
- dem Spitzbuben
- den Spitzbuben

The word is a compound of:

spitz — literally “pointed” or “sharp,” and figuratively “clever,” “cunning,” or “crafty”
Bube — “boy,” “lad,” or historically “knave”

Thus, Spitzbube originally conveyed the idea of a cunning boy or knave.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

Schelm — “rascal” or “rogue”; often playful, humorous, or slightly old-fashioned
Schlingel — “scamp” or “little rascal”; usually more affectionate and less serious
Lausbub — “naughty boy” or “young rascal”; typically used for children
Gauner — “crook” or “con artist”; more strongly associated with criminal or dishonest behavior
Halunke — “scoundrel” or “villain”; considerably harsher than Spitzbube