scalawag

[ skal-uh-wag ]

/ ˈskæl əˌwæg /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for scalawag on Thesaurus.com

noun

a scamp; rascal.

U.S. History. a native white Southerner who collaborated with the occupying forces during Reconstruction, often for personal gain.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Also scal·ly·wag

[skal-ee-wag]; /ˈskæl iˌwæg/; especially British, scal·la·wag .

Origin of scalawag

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50; origin uncertain

OTHER WORDS FROM scalawag

scal·a·wag·ger·y, nounscal·a·wag·gy, adjective

Words nearby scalawag

scalariform, scalar multiplication, scalar product, scalar triple product, scalation, scalawag, scald, scald-crow, scaldfish, scale, scale back

How to use scalawag in a sentence

Eddie Haskell Santorum is supposed to get the evangelical vote what with his Christian-right backing, not the scalawag Newt.
Marianne Gingrich Interview Casts Doubts on Newt’s New Image|Margaret Carlson|January 20, 2012|DAILY BEAST
When I got back to the house, I felt for my handkerchief, and found that scalawag's roll o' bills, which I'd clean forgot.
Si Klegg, Book 2 (of 6)|John McElroy
Some one without money to try to enlist my sympathies in helping some scalawag out of trouble.
By Force of Impulse|Harry V. Vogt
After the war, when he had turned scalawag, he was taken to task for the speech.
Civil War and Reconstruction in Alabama|Walter L. Fleming

The scalawag, being a renegade, was scorned more than a carpet-bagger.
Civil War and Reconstruction in Alabama|Walter L. Fleming
I'd like to give her a line on that handsome scalawag—before it's too late.
Fore!|Charles Emmett Van Loan

British Dictionary definitions for scalawag

scalawag

/ (ˈskæləˌwæɡ) /

noun

a variant of scallywag

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

scalawag

Origin of scalawag

OTHER WORDS FROM scalawag

Words nearby scalawag

Words related to scalawag

How to use scalawag in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for scalawag