My nine-year-old daughter Kionna asked me where did the word kids come from. For the life of me I have no clue. Can you help me? - Yolada, North Little Rock, USA.

I kid you not when I say there was very little information around to provide a proper answer to this question.

The best origin I could find was that the word kid' was slang used by criminals in America, first recorded in the 17th century. It was considered informal English by the mid-19th century and is now in common use.

The kids' referred to when the word first referred to children were sold by criminals to sea captains who took them to British colonies as labourers or slaves. They were also youngsters enlisted by British sailors or soldiers.

A kid is also a young goat and this would be the obvious link between kids and children, but I have been unable to find any connection.

Do you think Simon's got this answer wrong? Click here to email him what you think the answer should be.