Where did the term whippersnapper come from?

The term "whippersnapper" originated in the 17th century and is believed to be a combination of "whip" and "snap," referring to a young person who is lively or energetic, often with a hint of arrogance or disrespect. It was initially used to describe a young, inexperienced person who was overly confident or presumptuous. Over time, the term evolved to denote a brash or impudent young person, and it has retained that connotation into modern usage.