scrapper

¹

[ skrap-er ]

noun

1. a person who removes or does away with scraps. scrap.

scrapper

²

[ skrap-er ]

noun

, Informal.

1. a fighter or aggressive competitor, especially one always ready or eager for a fight, argument, or contest:

   the best lightweight scrapper in boxing; a rugged political scrapper.

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrapper¹

First recorded in 1640–50; scrap ¹ + -er ¹

Origin of scrapper²

First recorded in 1870–75; scrap ² + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Harris came across as a tough scrapper who could think on her feet and conceivably handle the rigors of the Oval Office.

From Los Angeles Times

A scrapper, fighter, hustler and striver, Inez — portrayed by Taylor in a fierce, career-defining turn — will not back down when it comes to the son she insists on fighting for.

From Washington Post

The city's Department of Public Health eventually denied the permit the scrapper needed to operate.

From Salon

“People in this district like a scrapper. They like it; they like that energy.”

From Seattle Times

The valley is a scrapper’s fever dream, a place where 15 pounds of discarded metal can be quickly harvested and sold for around a dollar.

From New York Times

Related Words

• assailant
• boxer
• champion
• combatant
• mercenary
• militant
• opponent
• soldier
• tanker
• warlord
• warrior