shaggy

[ shag-ee ]

adjective

, shag·gi·er, shag·gi·est.

1. covered with or having long, rough hair.
2. untidy; unkempt:

   a shaggy person.

3. rough and matted; forming a bushy mass, as the hair or mane.
4. having a rough nap, as cloth.
5. characterized by sloppy planning or execution:

   a shaggy production of Macbeth.

shaggy

/ ˈʃæɡɪ /

adjective

1. having or covered with rough unkempt fur, hair, wool, etc

   a shaggy dog

2. rough or unkempt
3. (in textiles) having a nap of long rough strands

Derived Forms

• ˈshagginess, noun
• ˈshaggily, adverb

Other Words From

• shaggi·ly adverb
• shaggi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of shaggy¹

First recorded in 1580–90; shag ¹ + -y ¹

Example Sentences

They act “like a shaggy carpet,” says Bargatin and help the disc hold its shape.

From Science News For Students

At a friend’s house recently, when her terrier demanded my attention, I found myself petting his shaggy coat rather than pushing him away.

From Washington Post

Donations go toward food, vet care and jungle school, where the shaggy-haired students learn how to be proper orangutans.

From Washington Post

I wrote about our little adventure, a story that we published this weekend, replete with photos of shaggy dogs, freshly unearthed truffles and a little video explainer of why prices for this exotic dish are soaring.

From Fortune

The first Freemasons could hardly have predicted the global shaggy dog story of success and notoriety that they would generate.

From Time

Toto was an especial friend of the Shaggy Man, and he knew every one else.

From Project Gutenberg

"And chew grass for our supper," added the Shaggy Man, laughing.

From Project Gutenberg

"That's strange," said the Shaggy Man, reading the sign aloud.

From Project Gutenberg

"Self-preservation is the first law of nature," quoted the Shaggy Man.

From Project Gutenberg

"Don't worry, Shaggy Man," said Dorothy, smiling because her friend wagged his new ears so comically.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• furry
• long-haired