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

scruff

²

/ skrʌf /

noun

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

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

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

Built sturdy, with a shaved head and a scruff of beard, he sits in a chair with his left foot planted on the ground.

From Los Angeles Times

But I liked what I saw: a strong jawline, a little scruff, broad shoulders and the unmistakable curve of biceps under his shirt.

From Los Angeles Times

You have to be sure you are never going to take your hand off the scruff of that cat's neck until you get it into the bathtub.

From Salon

Related Words

• collar