Natasha Lyonne

I would have done well as a gypsy child, I think. A circus baby. I coulda played a great street urchin or ragamuffin. Or just been one. I certainly liked entertaining people and making jokes, but I don't know necessarily if that's what your child is prone to that you should necessarily put them in a real working industry at six years old.

American Actress

Christopher Buckley

I remember dawn coming up over the Strait of Malacca; ragamuffin kids on the dock in Sumatra laughing as they pelted us with bananas; collecting dead flying fish off the deck and bringing them to our sweet, fat, toothless Danish cook to fry up for breakfast.

American Novelist

Rachel Kushner

Our parents had Ph.D.s, but we were dirty ragamuffin children. I spent a huge amount of time by myself. I daydreamed and learned how to be alone and not be lonely.

American Writer

Jacob Bronowski

It is important that students bring a certain ragamuffin, barefoot irreverence to their studies; they are not here to worship what is known, but to question it.

English Scientist

Originally denoted poorly clothed children but evolved to include neglected appearance in general.

Historical Usage

Carries a slightly negative or pitiful undertone when describing someone's appearance.

Negative Connotation

Evokes a strong visual image of neglect or poverty, often used for emotive effect.

Visual Imagery

When used playfully, it conveys affection despite the child's mischievousness.

Endearment

It's gentle and not intended to be harsh, even when pointing out naughtiness.

Not Insulting

The word may have different connotations depending on cultural backgrounds and its usage.

Ragamuffin