Helen Oakes Photographer Ankle-biter, also known as a little kid, a young child, a rug rat, small, aggressive dog and so on. The slang term ankle-biter is used in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom.

Its first recorded use was preported to be in the mid-19th century, around September 1850 however it has also been reported its first use was in 1840. Some say it emerged in the 1950’s as it does seem to have a more modern tone to it. It seems that the term disappeared for around 100 years and it was debated whether the phrase was a one-off use in 1850.

The term ankle-biter has a few different meanings depending on the context of its use. In kiwi slang it is mainly used for a toddler or a small dog as these two are low down to the ground so they can reach your ankles. This phrase is also used in investment circles, ankle-biters are investments that are classed as volatile and thinly traded.

An ankle-biter can be something or someone that bites at your ankles like a dog to a postman, a sandfly to a hiker or a toddler to their parent. In conversation kiwis will sometimes refer to their children or someone elses kids as ankle-biters. They may say, ”Hi Mary, how is Mike and the ankle-biters?” Or, ”What are you doing with the ankle-biters this weekend?”

There are other slang words that kiwis also use that are similar to ankle-biters like nipper, small fry, youngster, tike and tiddler.

As a photographer Iโ€™ve always had a passion for creative art and recently I have started to feature some Kiwiana Digital Prints with sayings, words, phrases and colloquialisms.

If youโ€™re a home sick Kiwi living abroad, my artwork may just be an ideal solution for a dose of New Zealand artwork to decorate your home or office.

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! Click the link below and add “Ankle Biter” to your cart now:

Purchase here.

Thank you for being a part of this artistic journey with me. Your support means the world, and I can’t wait to see “Ankle Biter” adorning your walls!

🌟 Embrace the kiwiness. Own “Ankle Biter” today! 🌟

P.S. If you like this article, please click โ€œlikeโ€ or provide comment, as that will motivate me to publish more. Share and inspire. Thank you.

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Helen Oakes
Photographer in Christchurch specialising in Lifestyle, Branding, Headshots, Sports and Commercial. Photography Online Courses, Classes, Training & Tutorials.