Where did the phrase youou little dickens come from?

The phrase "You little Dickens" doesn't seem to have a clear origin or established meaning. It's possible it's a regional or colloquial expression that's not widely known.

Here are some possible explanations:

* Mishearing or misremembering: It could be a corruption of another phrase, like "You little demon" or "You little devil," which are common expressions of exasperation.

* Reference to Charles Dickens: While it's not a direct quote from his works, it could be a playful reference to the characters in his novels, many of whom were mischievous or rebellious children.

* Informal slang: It might simply be a playful or affectionate way to address a child, similar to "You little rascal" or "You little scamp."

It's important to note that without more context, it's difficult to determine the exact origin and meaning of this phrase. If you can provide more information about where you heard it or how it was used, it might be easier to track down its roots.