Quick answer
Imp means a small mischievous creature or a badly behaved, playful person. It is usually pronounced IMP, and today it is mostly used in stylized, literary, or playful contexts.
Word page
Imp
Imp means a small mischievous creature or a badly behaved, playful person. It belongs to magical, mythic, and mysterious words and works best in fantasy writing, mythic atmosphere, and language with ceremonial or uncanny flavor. You are more likely to meet it in literary, humorous, or deliberately stylized writing than in everyday speech.
At a glance
magicmythicmysterious
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, imp refers to a small mischievous creature or a badly behaved, playful person. It is most useful when a plain label would tell the truth but miss the tone, flavor, or comic edge.
Why this word feels absurd
Imp feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Imp is generally traced to germanic roots; later linked to little devils and prankish spirits. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Imp is rare today and mostly appears in literary, humorous, historical, or deliberately stylized contexts. That rarity is part of the fun: it sounds chosen rather than automatic.
Example sentences
- The column dismissed the whole rumor as imp.
- In the novel, one imp is enough to derail the dinner party.
- She used imp in the essay because the plain modern word felt too bland.
- The teacher paused to explain imp before asking the class to use it in context.
- They kept repeating imp because the sound of it was almost as memorable as the meaning.
When should you use this word?
Use imp when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in fantasy writing, mythic atmosphere, and language with ceremonial or uncanny flavor.
Similar words
sprite, goblin, rascal, mischief-maker
Opposite or contrasting words
angel, saint, innocent
Common questions
- What does imp mean? A small mischievous creature or a badly behaved, playful person.
- How do you pronounce imp? It is commonly pronounced IMP.
- Is imp still used today? Imp is rare today and mostly appears in literary, humorous, historical, or deliberately stylized contexts. That rarity is part of the fun: it sounds chosen rather than automatic.
- When should you use imp? Use imp when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in fantasy writing, mythic atmosphere, and language with ceremonial or uncanny flavor.
- What words are similar to imp? Similar words include sprite, goblin, rascal, and mischief-maker.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.