pipsqueak: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, often humorous or derogatory
Quick answer
What does “pipsqueak” mean?
An insignificant, weak, or contemptibly small person, often one who is annoyingly self-important despite their lack of stature or power.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An insignificant, weak, or contemptibly small person, often one who is annoyingly self-important despite their lack of stature or power.
Can refer to anything small, weak, or of negligible importance, such as a minor problem, a small organization, or an insignificant amount.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Used similarly in both varieties, but perhaps slightly more common in British English.
Connotations
Both share core connotations of insignificance and irritating weakness.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but understood by most native speakers.
Grammar
How to Use “pipsqueak” in a Sentence
He's a (adjective) pipsqueak.Don't let that pipsqueak (verb) you.They dismissed him as a pipsqueak.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pipsqueak” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He's just a pipsqueak bureaucrat with delusions of grandeur.
- Their pipsqueak rebellion was over by lunchtime.
American English
- It's a pipsqueak operation run out of a garage.
- Don't worry about his pipsqueak threats.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to dismissively refer to a competitor or junior colleague perceived as weak and insignificant. (Informal contexts only)
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Used humorously or scornfully to describe an irritatingly self-important but unimportant person.
Technical
Never used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pipsqueak”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pipsqueak”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pipsqueak”
- Using it as a direct physical descriptor (e.g., 'a pipsqueak child' is wrong; 'an annoying pipsqueak of a child' is correct).
- Using it in formal writing.
- Confusing it with 'pip' or 'squeak' alone.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. Its core meaning is derogatory. However, in very familiar, jocular contexts (e.g., teasing a child), it might be used with affectionate humour, but the edge of contempt remains.
Primarily for people, but it can be extended metaphorically to organisations, problems, or amounts, always with the sense of contemptible insignificance (e.g., 'a pipsqueak of a profit').
Both imply lack of importance. 'Pipsqueak' adds strong connotations of irritating noise, pretension, and physical smallness metaphorically. 'Lightweight' is more neutral, focusing on lack of substance, influence, or skill.
Early 20th century, from 'pip' (a small fruit seed, something very small) + 'squeak', suggesting a small, high-pitched, and irritating sound.
An insignificant, weak, or contemptibly small person, often one who is annoyingly self-important despite their lack of stature or power.
Pipsqueak is usually informal, often humorous or derogatory in register.
Pipsqueak: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɪpskwiːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɪpskwiːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pipsqueak of a (something) e.g., 'He runs a pipsqueak of a company.'”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a tiny, squeaking mouse (a 'pip' can mean something small, like a fruit seed) that thinks it's a lion.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNIMPORTANT PERSON IS SMALL/INSIGNIFICANT OBJECT; IRRITATING BEHAVIOUR IS ANNOYING NOISE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'pipsqueak' be MOST appropriately used?