The term whippersnapper is thought to have originated in the early 17th century. It is believed to have come from the verb "whip," which was used to describe the sound of a whip cracking, and the noun "snapper," which referred to a small, insignificant person. Over time, the term whippersnapper came to be used to describe a young, inexperienced person who was considered to be arrogant or disrespectful.