"Scatterling," spelled /ˈskætərˌlɪŋ/, is a noun that refers to a person or thing that is scattered, detached, or disassociated from a group or community. The word is derived from the verb "scatter," which means to throw or disperse in various directions. The "-ling" suffix is used to indicate a small or young version of the noun it is attached to. Therefore, "Scatterling" can be understood to mean a small or disconnected member of a group that has been scattered.
A scatterling is a noun that refers to an individual or person who is dispersed or scattered away from their original or usual location. The term is derived from the verb "scatter," meaning to disperse or distribute in various directions. A scatterling can be described as someone who is no longer part of a cohesive group or community and has instead become separated or isolated.
The term "scatterling" can also be used metaphorically to describe an outsider or someone who feels disconnected from their surroundings. It often implies a sense of longing or displacement, as scatterlings may feel a sense of rootlessness or alienation due to their geographical separation.
Furthermore, the concept of a scatterling can extend beyond physical distance to include emotional or cultural detachment. For example, a scatterling may have left their home country and now feels disconnected from their language, traditions, or cultural identity.
In summary, a scatterling is an individual who has been dispersed or moved away from their original location, either physically or emotionally. The term encompasses a range of experiences and emotions associated with separation, isolation, and alienation.
The word "scatterling" is derived from the verb "scatter", which has Old English roots. The term "scatter" originally comes from the Old Norse word "skerra", meaning "to divide" or "to separate". In Middle English, "scatter" was used to describe the act of throwing or dispersing something widely. The noun form "scatterling" emerged in the late 19th century and refers to someone or something that is scattered or dispersed, often used to depict someone who is far from home or isolated. The word gained popularity through its usage in literature, particularly in the book "Scatterlings" by Isobelle Carmody.