1. homeless or neglected children who live on the streets
Usage: often considered offensive; dated
2. people regarded as having very low social status or poor manners
Usage: derogatory; informal

Examples

• The Victorian novel depicted guttersnipes struggling to survive in London’s slums.
• Social reformers worked to help guttersnipes find shelter and education.
• He dismissed his critics as mere guttersnipes unworthy of attention.
• The charity provided meals for guttersnipes living under the bridge.
• She rose from being called a guttersnipe to becoming a respected businesswoman.
• The politician’s opponents labeled him and his supporters as guttersnipes.