An imp is a small, mischievous creature from folklore and fairy tales, similar to a tiny devil or troublemaking sprite. Imps delight in playing pranks, causing minor chaos, and generally being nuisances. They might hide your shoes, tangle your hair while you sleep, or make doors creak at odd moments. Unlike truly evil creatures, imps are more annoying than dangerous: they're tricksters who enjoy causing harmless trouble.

The word also describes a mischievous child. When a parent calls their kid “you little imp,” they usually mean it affectionately, referring to playful troublemaking rather than serious misbehavior. An impish grin is the kind of smile someone wears when they're plotting a prank or have just gotten away with something clever and slightly naughty.

In old stories, imps were sometimes thought to be minor demons or magical servants who carried out tasks for witches or wizards. These fictional imps could shapeshift or turn invisible, making them even harder to catch in the act. While no one believes in literal imps today, the word remains useful for describing that particular brand of playful, clever mischief that seems almost magical in how it causes just the right amount of chaos.