Scram: meaning, definitions and examples
🏃♂️
scram
[ skræm ]
informal usage
To scram means to leave a place quickly or suddenly, often in a somewhat hurried or panicked manner. This term carries an informal connotation and is commonly used in casual conversation. It can imply a sense of urgency or a desire to escape from a situation. The term is mainly used in American English and can be seen as a more forceful way to say 'go away' or 'leave'.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- You better scram before the police arrive.
- When the teacher walked in, the students had to scram.
- After the loud noise, everyone just decided to scram.
- There was a fire, and we had to scram immediately.
Etymology
The word 'scram' originated in the early 20th century, with its first recorded use appearing in the 1920s. It is believed to be a colloquial contraction of the word 'scramble', which suggests a hurried movement or a desperate attempt to flee. The etymology of 'scramble' is linked to Old English 'scramian', which means to run or to climb. The informal nature of 'scram' reflects its usage among youths and in slang contexts, often conveying a sense of urgency. Over the years, 'scram' has gained popularity in American English, particularly in contexts where humor or emphasis on the urgency of departure is required.