SCRUFF Meaning and
Definition
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Scruff is a noun that refers to the loose skin at the back of an animal's neck, especially noticeable in domesticated animals like dogs or cats. It often describes the region between the animal's shoulders and head. The scruff typically consists of extra skin and loose connective tissue, allowing animals to be easily picked up or held by the scruff without causing discomfort or injury. This area is sometimes referred to as the "scruff of the neck."
Used in a broader context, "scruff" can also describe a messy or unkempt appearance, usually pertaining to a person's hair or clothing. It suggests a disheveled and untidy state, often associated with neglect or a lack of attention to grooming. For example, if someone has wild, uncombed hair or is wearing wrinkled and rumpled attire, they might be referred to as having a "scruffy" appearance.
Furthermore, "scruff" can serve as a verb, meaning to grab or clutch someone or something firmly by the scruff of the neck, usually exerting control or restraint. It implies an authoritative or forceful grip, often used metaphorically to describe an attempt to assert dominance or control over a situation or individual.
Top Common Misspellings for SCRUFF *
* 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.
Other Common Misspellings for SCRUFF
Etymology of SCRUFF
The word "scruff" originally comes from the Middle English term "scruffe", which first appeared in the 14th century. It was derived from the Old Norse word "skroppa", which meant "nape of the neck" or "scruff of the neck". This Norse term then evolved into Middle English to refer to the loose skin at the back of an animal's neck, which could be grasped for control. Over time, the word "scruff" started to be applied to humans as well, referring to the back of the neck or the untidy or unkempt hair at the back of the head.
Idioms with the word SCRUFF
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by the scruff of somebody's/the neck
The idiom "by the scruff of somebody's/the neck" refers to an action of grabbing or lifting someone forcefully or energetically, typically by the back of their neck or collar. It implies taking control or asserting dominance over someone, often in a commanding or disciplinary manner.
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by the scruff of (one's)/its/the neck
To hold someone or something "by the scruff of (one's)/its/the neck" means to hold or grab them firmly and forcefully by the back of their neck or collar, often to control or restrain them. It can be both literal or figurative depending on the context.
Similar spelling words for SCRUFF
- scirpus,
- scarf out,
- scurvy,
- Scorbutus,
- scurf,
- scrub,
- scarp,
- scurfy,
- scarfpin,
- scorbutic,
- scruffy,
- scare off,
- scarify,
- scarab,
- scarpa,
- scarface,
- scrubs,
- scarf.
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