scruff
scruff Lexical Profile
scruff Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The loose skin at the back of the neck of a person or animal, often used in the phrase 'by the scruff of the neck'.
"The mother cat gently carried her wandering kitten back to the basket by the scruff of its neck."
North American Short, unshaven, and slightly untidy facial hair.
"After spending a week camping in the mountains without a razor, he returned home with a thick layer of scruff on his chin."
British A person with a dirty, unkempt, or untidy appearance.
"His mother told him to iron his shirt before the interview so he would not look like a complete scruff."
• verb
To grasp, hold, or restrain an animal or person firmly by the loose skin at the back of the neck.
"The veterinarian carefully scruffed the nervous ferret to administer its annual vaccination safely."
To make something untidy, messy, or disheveled by rubbing or ruffling it (often used with 'up').
"He affectionately scruffed the little boy's hair as he walked past the kitchen table."
• Rhymes for scruff
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Originating in the late 18th century, 'scruff' is an alteration of 'scuff' (the nape of the neck), likely influenced by the word 'scurf' (flaky skin), with roots tracing back to Germanic words for a tuft of hair or top of the head.