scrappy

¹ American  

[skrap-ee] / ˈskræp i /

adjective

scrappier, comparative scrappiest superlative

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

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scrappy ² American  

[skrap-ee] / ˈskræp i /

adjective

scrappier, comparative scrappiest superlative

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.

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scrappy ¹ British  

/ ˈskræpɪ /

adjective

1. fragmentary; disjointed

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scrappy ² British  

/ ˈskræpɪ /

adjective

1. informal pugnacious

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• scrappiness
  noun
• scrappily
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Adjectives

• scrappier
  comparative
• scrappiest
  superlative

Etymology

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

Related Words

• aggressive
• combative
• fierce
• ornery