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scruffy
/ˈskrʌf.i/
untidy or shabby
He looked scruffy after a week without washing his clothes.
His clothes were wrinkled and dirty, showing he hadn't taken care of his appearance.
informal
untidy or shabby in appearance
The scruffy old book had torn pages and a faded cover.
The book looked worn out and neglected.
She prefers a scruffy look with ripped jeans and a hoodie.
She likes to dress casually and slightly disheveled.
Often describes someone's clothes or overall appearance as messy or neglected. Can also describe objects that look old and worn.
Collocations
scruffy bearda messy, unkempt beardscruffy clothesclothes that look dirty or untidylook scruffyto appear untidy or shabby
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'scuffy'
'Scruffy' refers to untidiness, while 'scuffy' (rare) means slightly dirty or grimy. They are not interchangeable.
Gold Rule
Use 'scruffy' for appearance, not behavior
Correct: 'His scruffy clothes made a bad impression.' Incorrect: 'He was scruffy because he didn't study.'
Word Origin
First recorded in the early 19th century; possibly derived from 'scruff' (the back of the neck) with the adjectival suffix '-y', implying a rough or neglected appearance.
Usage Notes
Used to describe people, clothes, or objects that lack neatness or care in appearance. Avoid using for formal settings unless describing a deliberate style.
Word Breakdown
scruff
rough or neglected part (e.g., back of the neck)
root-y
adjectival suffix indicating 'having the quality of'
suffixEnglish Dictionary