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Shaggy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shaggy

[ˈʃæɡi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

appearance

having long, untidy and unkempt hair

Synonyms

hairy, matted, unkempt.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shaggy

Describes something with long, thick, and often messy fur or hair. Often used for animals but can be used for people in a non-derogatory manner.

  • The dog's shaggy coat needed a good brushing.
  • He had a shaggy beard that made him look rugged.
hairy

Refers to something covered in hair or fur. Can describe both people and animals, or even objects metaphorically.

  • The hairy caterpillar crawled slowly across the leaf.
  • He's a very hairy man; he has hair on his arms, chest, and back.
unkempt

Describes hair or appearance that is messy, disheveled, and not well-groomed. Often used in a critical or negative sense.

  • His unkempt hair and wrinkled clothes made him look disorganized.
  • The garden was unkempt, with weeds growing everywhere.
matted

Implies that hair or fur is tangled and stuck together, often in an unclean or neglected state. Has a negative connotation.

  • The stray cat had matted fur, indicating it had been homeless for a while.
  • Her hair was matted after swimming in the saltwater and not brushing it.

Examples of usage

  • The man had a shaggy beard that reached his chest.
  • The dog's shaggy fur needed to be brushed.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Shaggy is also the name of a beloved character from the Scooby-Doo franchise, known for his lanky appearance and often humorous personality.
  • The song 'Shaggy' by singer Shaggy, particularly the hit 'It Wasn't Me,' became a cultural phenomenon in the early 2000s, cementing the name's popularity.

Literature

  • Shaggy characters often symbolize a carefree or wild spirit in various stories, found in folklore and fairy tales.
  • In children's literature, shaggy animals are commonly depicted as friendly or humorous, making them memorable for young readers.

Science

  • Shaggy fur serves evolutionary purposes in many animals, helping them adapt to cold climates by providing insulation.
  • Certain dog breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or a Tibetan Terrier, have shaggy coats, which help protect them from harsh weather in their native environments.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that people perceive shaggy animals as more approachable and friendly due to their soft appearance, impacting interactions with pets.
  • Shaggy hairstyles in humans can be associated with creativity or nonconformity, affecting first impressions in social situations.

Origin of 'shaggy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'shaggy' comes from the Old English 'sceacga', meaning rough or shaggy, indicating a texture that is not smooth.
  • The term has been used in literature since at least the 1400s to describe animals and objects with a fuzzy or tousled appearance.

The word 'shaggy' originated in the late 16th century, derived from the Old English word 'sceacga' meaning 'rough hair'. Over time, it evolved to describe unkempt or untidy hair, specifically referring to long and tangled strands.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,655, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.