Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for scruff

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 )

Discover More

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

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of scruff1

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

Discover More

Example Sentences

Scruff believes that sex is not the primary concern of users.

He identifies as transgender on Scruff but not always on Grindr.

They are grainy, low-resolution black-and-white pictures, more scruff than science.

He was as striking in person as he is on screen—thin, white v-neck t-shirt, two-day scruff, artful bedhead.

At the end of the month, participants, called Mo Bros and their supporters, Mo Sistas, shave their scruff and have a party.

My escort also fell at this bridge, but I caught him by the scruff of the neck, thereby preventing him getting into the water.

Scruff made no attempt to free his forelegs; but sniffed the soup, and finding that nothing happened, began to lap it.

Greta, pulling Scruff's ears, would gaze up at the speakers; when the talk was over, she always shook herself.

The child stood listening; hearing the key turn in the lock, she sank down on the bottom step and took Scruff in her arms.

At a deeper breath from Greta, the little lady put down her basket, and began to pace the lawn, followed dubiously by Scruff.

Advertisement

Related Words

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


scrubwomanscruffy