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Imp is a term for an imaginary being similar to a fairy, frequently used in folklore.

Because of the recurrent use of the term, it is possible to give quite a detailed description of how imps are, or were, viewed by the superstitious. A being described as an imp would be more likely to be mischievous than seriously threatening, and to be a lesser being rather than a greater one — an attendant on an important supernatural being. The attendants of the devil are sometimes described as imps, but this is an unusually malign usage of the term. The term carries an implication of liveliness and small stature. They are usually, but not invariably, assigned male gender.

Imps are the least evil of all demons, in common mythology and superstition. They are described as dark, shadowy creatures — while mischievous and somewhat destructive; they do not go to the extremes of, for example, gremlins or poltergeists. Imps are shape-shifters — preferring a shadow-form similar to either a weasel or a spider; they slink or skitter about, running from one pool of shadow to another.