How Do You Spell RAGAMUFFIN?

Pronunciation: [ɹˈaɡɐmˌʌfɪn] (IPA)

Ragamuffin (/ˈræɡəmʌfɪn/) is a word that describes a scruffy or unkempt person, typically a child. The word is spelled phonetically, with each syllable clearly enunciated. The first syllable, "raga," is pronounced with a short "a" sound, followed by a hard "g" and a soft "a" sound. The second syllable, "muffin," rhymes with "cuffin" and is pronounced with a short "u" sound and a hard "f" and "n" sound. When spoken out loud, the word conjures up an image of a disheveled and carefree child playing in the streets.

RAGAMUFFIN Meaning and Definition

1. Ragamuffin is a noun commonly used to depict a person, typically a child, who is dressed in shabby or worn-out clothing. The term may often carry a connotation of poverty or a lack of proper care. It refers to an individual who appears disheveled, unkempt, and living in a state of destitution or extreme poverty.

   The word originated in the early 19th century, evolving from the combination of two distinct terms: "rag" and "muffin." "Rag" refers to a piece of cloth or fabric, typically old and tattered, while "muffin" originally described a type of bread product. The fusion of these terms gave birth to "ragamuffin," which is indicative of a person clad in ragged clothes.

   The term "ragamuffin" can also be used in a broader sense to describe someone who is perceived as disreputable, lazy, or rogue-like. It implies a lack of concern for societal norms or expectations, often associated with an individual living on the fringes of society.

   In some contexts, especially in literature or plays, "ragamuffin" may be portrayed as a mischievous or playful character. However, its primary meaning remains centered around a person's appearance and suggests their socio-economic status. Overall, "ragamuffin" is a term deeply rooted in describing the poor, destitute, or untidy state of an individual, particularly in relation to their attire.

2. A low disreputable person; a blackguard.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for RAGAMUFFIN

• raggamuffin
• ruggamuffin
• eagamuffin
• dagamuffin
• fagamuffin
• tagamuffin
• 5agamuffin
• 4agamuffin
• rzgamuffin
• rsgamuffin
• rwgamuffin
• rqgamuffin
• rafamuffin
• ravamuffin
• rabamuffin
• rahamuffin
• rayamuffin
• ratamuffin
• ragzmuffin
• ragamuffiin
• Ragamofin
• Ragamoffen
• Ragamuffen

Etymology of RAGAMUFFIN

The word "ragamuffin" is derived from two separate words: "raga" and "muffin".

"Raga" originates from the Middle English word "ragge", meaning a torn or tattered cloth. It can be traced back to the Old Norse word "raggi", which also means rag or tattered cloth.

"Muffin", in this context, does not refer to the bread product we commonly associate with the word today. Instead, it comes from the Old French word "mouffle", meaning a glove or mitten.

So, when combined, "rags" in the sense of torn or tattered clothing and "muffin" referring to gloves or mittens, they create "ragamuffin" to describe a person dressed in ragged or shabby clothing. The term is often used to denote a scruffy or poorly dressed individual, particularly a child or young person.

Plural form of RAGAMUFFIN is RAGAMUFFINS