Scraggy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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scraggy
[ˈskræɡi ]
Definition
physical appearance
Scraggy describes something or someone that appears thin, bony, or unkempt. It often conveys a sense of roughness or a neglected state, particularly in reference to physical characteristics or the condition of something.
Synonyms
emaciated, gaunt, scrawny, skinny, thin.
Examples of usage
- He looked scraggy after weeks of camping.
- The scraggy dog wandered the streets seeking food.
- Her scraggy appearance made her look much older than she was.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- The term often appears in poetry and prose to evoke a sense of wildness or neglect, adding to the setting's character.
- Authors may use 'scraggy' to describe characters whose appearance reflects their rugged lifestyle or emotional state.
- Classic literature sometimes contrasts 'scraggy' descriptions with more refined ones, emphasizing themes of nature versus civilization.
Nature
- In botany, scraggy plants often indicate that they grow in harsh conditions, adapting to survive scrawny and rough environments.
- Scraggy animal fur can be a sign of health issues or seasonal changes; some animals sport scraggly coats during molting.
- Wild landscapes may be described as scraggy when they feature unkempt foliage or rough terrains, enriching ecological diversity.
Art
- In visual arts, scraggy landscapes can evoke feelings of desolation or raw beauty, often seen in impressionist paintings.
- Artists may depict scraggy characters to enhance themes of resilience or struggle, making them relatable to audiences.
- The texture of scraggy materials can inspire artists to explore contrasts in their works, both literally and metaphorically.
Origin of 'scraggy'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'scraggy' comes from the Old Scottish word 'scrag', referring to a thin or emaciated look.
- The term has evolved in English usage to describe things that appear untidy or uneven, especially hair or vegetation.
- It’s often used affectionately to describe the appearance of animals or people in informal settings.
The word 'scraggy' is believed to have originated in the late 19th century, deriving from the word 'scrag,' which in British English refers to something that is thin or emaciated. The term 'scrag' itself is suggested to be a dialectal variation of 'scraggy,' relating to the concept of being lean or having an ill-kept appearance. The usage of 'scraggy' can often invoke images of neglected animals or unkempt people, emphasizing a rough, ragged quality to their appearance. The adjective has since been incorporated into more colloquial speech, often used to describe both living beings and objects that appear worn down or in poor condition.