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Definition of scrumpox

scrumpox

/ˈskrʌmˌpɒks/
scrum · pox
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scrumpox Lexical Profile

scrumpox Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

British A contagious viral or bacterial skin infection, such as herpes gladiatorum or impetigo, primarily transmitted between rugby players through the abrasive, close physical contact of a scrum.

Example

"The team doctor warned the forwards about a recent outbreak of scrumpox and advised immediate treatment of any facial abrasions."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for scrumpox

Word Nuance & Usage

This term represents a highly specific register trap; it is an informal, colloquial Britishism used primarily within the rugby community, whereas medical professionals formally refer to the condition as herpes gladiatorum or impetigo.

• Nearby Words

scruffy
scrum
scrummy
scrumpox
scrumptious
scrumptiously
scrumptiousness

Word Origin & Etymology

A portmanteau of 'scrum' (a tightly packed rugby formation) and 'pox' (a skin disease), originating in the United Kingdom in the late 20th century to describe infections spread among forwards.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Scrumpox. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/scrumpox
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