Some kids are sweet, some kids are annoying and others might be called a Lausbub! This German word describes little rascals who are always up to no good.
The German word Laus means “louse” and Bub means “boy” – a combination of words that seems fitting for the term’s definition. A Lausbub is usually a young boy who is brash, naughty, up to no good and loves playing pranks. The closest English translations would be “rascal”, “scamp” or “scallywag”. You can never trust a Lausbub, because you can never be quite sure what sort of mischievous activities he is planning!
Adults often use the term to describe a little rascal in a loving way. Occasionally an adult might also be called a Lausbub – but that probably suggests he is acting childish.
The term Lausbub is most often used in southern Germany. Synonyms include Lausejunge, Bengel, Lümmel, Lauser, Rotzbub and Rotzjunge.
By Nicole Glass, German Embassy
