What is a kenning?

A kenning is "a concise compound or figurative phrase replacing a common noun". It comes from the Anglo Saxon era, where swords had names like "death-bringer" or "wound-maker". You can create a lovely "riddle poem" by describing something in different ways on the different lines.Start reading below.

Kids on the Net - the children's writing website celebrating 10 years online! - publishes many kennings from young writers all over the UK and the world. Explore those below and the links above. And why not check out all the rest of the chidlren's writing we publish? See What's New? and About Kids on the Net

Cats

By Nadeem, 9 , London, UK

A Trouble Maker,
A Cuddly Friend,
A Loud Growler,
A Fast Runner,
A Mouse Eater,
A Sharp Scratcher,
A Brave Climber,
A Hairy Creature,
A Fish Eater,
A Milk Drinker,
A Dog Hater,
A Meat Eater.
(January 2009)

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Me

By Isabella, 7, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, UK

A smile giver,
A Thames walker,
A turquoise lover,
A shorts wearer,
A macaroni eater,
A juice slurper,
A golf player,
A sound sleeper.
(January 2009)

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Cat

By Sydney, 8, Walsall, West Midlands, UK

Fish stalker,
Exotic clawer,
Mouse chaser,
Purr maker,
Fur licker,
Plant digger,
Bird trouncer,
Chair pouncer,
Furniture scratcher.
(January 2009)

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My Sister

By Layla, 12, Kingston Upon Thames, Greater London, UK

Tantrum thrower,
CD breaker,
Party goer,
Phone stealer,
Sweet talker,
Clothes ruiner,
Big hugger,
Kind joker,
Big spender,
Argument starter,
Make-up borrower,
Pony lover,
Secret keeper,
Kind hearted,
Kindred friend,
Smiling girl,
Best Friend!
(January 2009)

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Dog

By Sophie, 11, UK

A loud barker,
A cat chaser,
A human biter,
A greedy gobbler,
A toy chewer,
A stick fetcher,
A sloppy kisser,
A carpet wetter,
A trouble maker.
(January 2009)

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Elephant

By Sonali, 12, Kolkata, India

A tree stomper,
A plant eater,
A fearsome creature,
A trunk washer,
A caring mother,
A defensive mammal,
A long liver,
A strong tusker!

Elephant!
(January 2009)

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Badger

By Louis, 11, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK

Dark camouflage,
Night runner,
Hunter cunner,
Claw scraper,
Leaf devourer,
Crop wrecker,
Hole digger,
Midnight seer.
(January 2009)

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Rabbit

By Oliver, 8, Devon, UK

Nose Twitcher,
High Jumper,
Carrot Muncher,
Speedy Player,
Hutch DDweller,
Cuddly Friend.
(December 2008)

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Bat

By Kaisha, 10, Devon, UK

Wing Flapper,
Blind Flyer,
Fruit Muncher,
Upside-down Fellow,
Vampire's Slave,
Outside Liver,
Person Scarer.
(December 2008)

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Tractor

By Jonathan , 10, Devon, UK

Tyre Tracker,
Mighty Tower,
Load Digger,
Engine Chugger,
Exhaust Thrower,
Crop Sprayer,
Hay Baler,
Mud Flinger.
(December 2008)

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Lion

By Matthew, 7, Devon, UK

Proud King,
Pride Pouncer,
People Hunter,
Flesh Ripper,
Bone Cruncher,
Blood Dripper,
Mane Wearer.
(December 2008)

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A Perfect Christmas

By Louise, 10, Devon, UK

Snow crystals,
Fire burner,
Tree glistening,
Present giver,
Roast feast,
Song singer,
Family laughing,
(December 2008)

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Rabbit

By Molly, 10, Devon, UK

Vegetable muncher,
Healthy eater,
Smooth animal,
Tunnel machine,
Flop eared,
Hungry hopper,
Water drinker,
Observant pet,
Fantastic listener,
Nose twitcher,
Mighty jumper,
Hutch dweller,
Super fast runner.
(December 2008)

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Dinosaur

By Robert, 9, Devon, UK

Meat muncher,
Scaly skin,
Loud roarer,
Egg layer,
Predator hunter,
Feet stomper,
Teeth cruncher,
Claw scratcher.
(December 2008)

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Tiger Kenning

By Jack, 10, Devon, UK

Loud roarer,
Meat tearer,
Food hunting,
fast runner,
Good hider,
Stripe shower.
(December 2008)

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Perfect Christmas

By Jack, 10, Devon, UK

Blanket like snow
Icicles glittering
Robins hopping
frosty windows
crackling fire
Christmas carols
Cheer and laughter
Roast dinner
colourful decorations
sparkling tree
white Christmas
Perfect Christmas
(December 2008)

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Fire Engine

By Class 6C, 10-11, Manchester, UK

Fire devastator
Soul saver
Water missile shooter
Shape shifter
Time breaker
City screamer
Chaos pauser
Super sprayer
Death stopper
Earache maker
Metal cutter
Flame remover
Red water-carrier
Ladder hauler
Siren singer
Water spurter
Risk taker
Street rusher
Hero transporter
Smoke spreader
Water gusher
Fire fighter
(December 2008)

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Horse

By Nannina, 11, Waterlooville, Hampshire, UK

Leg kicker,
Loud neigher,
Grass eater,
People thrower,
Tail swisher,
Brownish colour.
(December 2008)

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My Dog

By Eliza, 9, Thurlstone, Sheffield, UK

Loud barker,
Good larker,
Bone shaker,
Food maker,
Jelly flopper,
Sassy mopper.
(December 2008)

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Nokia n96

By Hyder, 11, Hounslow, London, UK

Internet explorer,
A picture taker,

An ear-singer,
A song stealer,

A credit taker,
A video camera,

A clip saver,
A map user,

What am I?

Answer:nokia n96
(November 2008)

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Grasshopper

By Fiona, age 7, Our Lady Immaculate School, Tolworth, London, UK

A fine jumper
A fabulous singer
A great hopper
A green darter
A hot cruncher

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