Pronunciation: [skˈab] (IPA) 
The word "scab" is pronounced /skæb/, with the first sound being the voiceless alveolar fricative /s/. The vowel sound is the short "a" sound /æ/ followed by the consonant blend /b/. The spelling of "scab" may seem simple, but it can be confusing for some English language learners. The letter "C" is silent in front of the letter "A" and the letter "B" retains its sound. The word "scab" refers to a crust that forms on a healing wound.
Scab is a noun that has multiple definitions depending on its context.
Firstly, a scab refers to a dry, hard crust that forms over a wound or sore during the healing process. When the skin is damaged, platelets and other elements in the blood work together to form a clot and create a protective scab, which shields the injury while tissue regeneration occurs underneath.
However, scab can also have a derogatory connotation, where it describes a person who works during a strike or labor dispute, usually to undermine or replace striking workers. These individuals are often viewed negatively by unions and striking workers, as they are seen as betraying the solidarity and collective action for better working conditions or higher wages. The term "scab" is often used in labor conflicts to express contempt or disapproval towards those who cross picket lines.
Additionally, scab can be used metaphorically to describe someone who is considered disloyal, treacherous, or untrustworthy. In this sense, being called a scab signifies a breach of trust or allegiance, often in personal or political relationships.
Overall, the term scab holds different meanings depending on its context, ranging from a physiological marker of healing to a derogatory label associated with strike-breaking or betrayal.
1. Eschar, a crust formed by the drying of the pus on the surface of an ulcer or excoriation. 2. A contagious mange-like disease of sheep. 3. To form a scab.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• A crust formed over a sore in healing; a disease in sheep resembling the mange.
• To become covered with a scab; to grow scabby.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "scab" has multiple historical origins and different meanings. Here are two common etymological explanations for the word:
1. "Scab" as a verb:
The verb "scab" comes from Old Norse "skabb", meaning "scab" or "itch". It later evolved into the Middle English word "scabben", which meant to become covered in scabs or rough skin. Over time, the term "scab" developed a broader meaning, referring to the healing process of wounds or skin diseases.
2. "Scab" as a noun:
As a noun, "scab" has a different etymology. It comes from the Middle English word "sca bbe", which originally meant "crust" or "scab".
