mischief-maker

This term describes someone who enjoys creating chaos or friction, typically on a small scale. While it can be used affectionately to describe a playful child, in an adult or professional context, it often carries a negative connotation of being manipulative or disruptive. It suggests a level of intent and calculation that distinguishes the person from someone who causes trouble by accident.

Compared to a "troublemaker," a mischief-maker is often perceived as more subtle or focused on the psychological amusement of the act rather than just breaking rules. The term implies a certain level of cunning, where the individual might provoke others into arguing while remaining seemingly innocent themselves.