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Straggly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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straggly

[หˆstrรฆษกli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

appearance, hair

Straggly refers to something that is untidy, in disarray, or not well-groomed. Often, it is used to describe hair that is long and unkempt, hanging in wild strands. Additionally, straggly can apply to plants or vines that grow in a disorganized manner, rather than neatly or in an orderly fashion. It evokes images of neglect or lack of care.

Synonyms

disheveled, messy, scraggly, unkempt.

Examples of usage

  • Her straggly hair looked unkempt after the storm.
  • The straggly vines climbed up the fence haphazardly.
  • He wore a straggly beard that gave him a rugged look.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Nature

  • Plants that grow in a straggly way often do so because they are competing for light, spreading out rather than growing tall.
  • Straggly weeds can be a sign of a disturbed ecosystem, indicating room for growth or the need for restoration.

Fashion

  • The straggly hair look has been popularized in various fashion trends, often associated with the 'messy chic' aesthetic.
  • Straggly, layered styles in clothing can convey an effortless or casual vibe, reflecting personal style choices.

Personal Care

  • In personal grooming, maintaining straggly hair often requires special products to define texture while keeping it manageable.
  • Some people intentionally leave their hair straggly to avoid the stiff look of heavily styled hair, embracing a natural approach.

Literature

  • Authors often use straggly descriptions in their writing to create imagery of chaos or wildness, enhancing the mood of a scene.
  • Straggly characters in novels may symbolize a carefree or undisciplined personality, adding depth to their persona.

Origin of 'straggly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'straggly' first appeared in English around the 1800s, deriving from 'straggle', which means to wander or trail behind.
  • It combines 'straggle' with the suffix '-ly', often used to describe how something is done, emphasizing a messiness.

The term 'straggly' appears to derive from the word 'straggle', which is believed to have originated in the mid-19th century. 'Straggle' itself comes from the earlier term 'strag' that means to stray or roam away. The transformation into 'straggly' adds the adjective form to convey a state of being. It reflects a characteristic of things that are not closely packed or ordered, reflecting a sense of looseness both in physical form and in a metaphorical sense. The increasing urbanization during the 19th century likely contributed to the rise of this word as more people began to interact with untamed nature and the effects of weather on human-made structures and gardens.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,957 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.