Galopin

Galopin is a French word that can refer to several things, primarily related to children's games and small, lively creatures. In the context of games, a galopin is often a mischievous or playful child, or the game itself, which usually involves running, chasing, and hiding. It evokes a sense of energetic and uninhibited fun.

The term can also be used to describe a small, quick animal, particularly a rodent like a mouse or a rat. In this sense, "galopin" emphasizes their speed and scurrying movements. It's not a formal scientific classification but rather an informal descriptor.

Historically, "galopin" might have also been used as a derogatory term for a young servant or a boy who ran errands, often implying a lack of status or discipline. This older usage is less common today, with the playful and animalistic meanings being more prevalent. The core idea behind most uses of "galopin" is one of quick, somewhat uncontrolled movement and a youthful or small-scale existence.