1. A creepy-crawly of any description, esp. cockroaches, beetles, caterpillars, etc. found around the house.
2. Something to call a small child in fun, in mischief, affectionately, or to admonish it.
Common slang in sub-equatorial Africa in the 2nd half of the 20th Century.
n. Scots
A rascal; a rogue.
Dutch schelm, from Low German, from Middle Low German.
2. Something to call a small child in fun, in mischief, affectionately, or to admonish it.
Common slang in sub-equatorial Africa in the 2nd half of the 20th Century.
n. Scots
A rascal; a rogue.
Dutch schelm, from Low German, from Middle Low German.
"Mum! Mum! There's a skellum in the bath!"
"Lifted that rock in the garden, there were at least three kinds of skellums underneath!"
Mother to child whose mouth is covered in chocolate: "I see there's been a skellum in the chocolate biscuits!"
Mother cuddling mischievous child: "I love you, my little skellum!"
Mother to child covered in mud: "Go wash this minute, you horrible little skellum!"
"Lifted that rock in the garden, there were at least three kinds of skellums underneath!"
Mother to child whose mouth is covered in chocolate: "I see there's been a skellum in the chocolate biscuits!"
Mother cuddling mischievous child: "I love you, my little skellum!"
Mother to child covered in mud: "Go wash this minute, you horrible little skellum!"
by rvldejung April 6, 2009