scruff

¹

[skruhf]

noun

1. the nape or back of the neck.

scruff

²

[skruhf]

noun

Metallurgy.

1. (in tin-plating) dross formed in the bath.

scruff

¹

/ skrʌf /

noun

1. informal,  an untidy scruffy person

2. informal,  a disreputable person, ruffian

3. another name for scum

scruff

²

/ skrʌf /

noun

1. the nape of the neck (esp in the phrase by the scruff of the neck )

Word History and Origins

Origin of scruff¹

1780–90; variant of dial. scuff, scuft < Dutch schoft horse's withers

Origin of scruff²

Metathetic variant of scurf

Word History and Origins

Origin of scruff¹

C18: variant of scuft, perhaps from Old Norse skoft hair; related to Old High German scuft

Example Sentences

For good measure, Song has also saddled Evans with the worst haircut and scruff of his career.

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“Dangerous Animals” overly underlines its point that we shouldn’t be afraid of sharks — it’s the Tuckers who ought to keep us up at night — but Courtney never captures the unfathomable malice beneath the facial scruff.

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His flair, intelligence and ability to grab games by the scruff of the neck are qualities United's flat attack need desperately.

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England had an opportunity to grab them by the scruff of the neck and make it all about them.

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They desperately needed someone to stand up and take the game by the scruff of the neck.

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Related Words

• collar