noun
naughty child; unruly child
Affectionate or mildly scolding term for a child who doesn't listen or is mischievous. Often used by parents or caregivers.
うちのきかん坊は、言うことを聞かなくて困るよ。
My little rascal never listens and it's a real headache.
きかん坊の弟がまたいたずらをした。
My naughty little brother got into mischief again.
わんぱく means 'naughty' or 'mischievous' as an adjective/noun, often with a sense of healthy, boyish energy. きかん坊 specifically refers to a child who is disobedient or won't listen.
いたずらっ子 focuses on a child who plays pranks or tricks. きかん坊 emphasizes stubbornness and refusal to follow instructions.
From 聞かん (kikan, 'not listen', dialectal/archaic negative of 聞く) + 坊 (bō, 'boy, child'). The kanji 聞かん坊 and 利かん坊 are ateji.