scrappy

¹

[ skrap-ee ]

adjective

, scrap·pi·er, scrap·pi·est.

1. made up of scraps scrap or of odds and ends; fragmentary; disconnected.

scrappy

²

[ skrap-ee ]

adjective

, scrap·pi·er, scrap·pi·est.

1. inclined to fight, argue, or compete; aggressive: Having to defend itself against a giant corporation gave the new company a reputation as a scrappy contender.

   Badgers are such scrappy fighters that coyotes will team up with them out of fear of being eaten by them.

   Having to defend itself against a giant corporation gave the new company a reputation as a scrappy contender.

2. having or showing spirit and determination, especially in spite of obstacles:

   This era formed dozens of legends—strong-willed, scrappy survivors whose faith in their cause was unshakable.

scrappy

¹

/ ˈskræpɪ /

adjective

1. fragmentary; disjointed

scrappy

²

/ ˈskræpɪ /

adjective

1. informal.
   pugnacious

Derived Forms

• ˈscrappily, adverb
• ˈscrappiness, noun

Other Words From

• scrappi·ly adverb
• scrappi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrappy¹

First recorded in 1830–40; scrap ¹ + -y ¹

Origin of scrappy²

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95; scrap ² + -y ¹

Example Sentences

His first newspaper job was at Washington’s scrappy Daily News.

From Washington Post

Some guys who had come up just behind us put on their skis on the actual summit and made a scrappy turn or two off the top before continuing down.

From Outside Online

Over the course of three years and a half-dozen moves across the Northeast, these scrappy trails became the center of our outdoor life.

From Outside Online

When Ant was still a scrappy upstart in 2008, Ma vowed to disrupt China’s financial system.

From Fortune

All our hosts love the Rays’ style of play but remain unconvinced that their underdog narrative is as scrappy as Tampa makes it sound.

From FiveThirtyEight

Related Words

• aggressive
• combative
• fierce
• ornery