scruff

¹

[ skruhf ]

noun

1. the nape or back of the neck.

scruff

²

[ skruhf ]

noun

Metallurgy.

1. (in tin-plating) dross formed in the bath.

scruff

¹

/ skrʌf /

noun

1. the nape of the neck (esp in the phrase by the scruff of the neck )

scruff

²

/ skrʌf /

noun

1. informal.
   an untidy scruffy person
2. informal.
   a disreputable person, ruffian
3. another name for scum

Word History and Origins

Origin of scruff¹

1780–90; variant of dial. scuff, scuft < Dutch schoft horse's withers

Origin of scruff²

Metathetic variant of scurf

Word History and Origins

Origin of scruff¹

C18: variant of scuft, perhaps from Old Norse skoft hair; related to Old High German scuft

Example Sentences

England had an opportunity to grab them by the scruff of the neck and make it all about them.

From BBC

They desperately needed someone to stand up and take the game by the scruff of the neck.

From BBC

England have the first Test by the scruff of the neck thanks largely to a very un-Kiwi-like performance.

From BBC

A team of young, unflappable characters is a positive, but sometimes you need players to take the game by the scruff of the neck.

From BBC

He really grabbed the entire Pakistan team by the scruff of the neck.

From BBC

Related Words

• collar