scrappy — determined and willing to fight or argue; showing a fighting spirit despite being small or disadvantaged
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: determined and willing to fight or argue; showing a fighting spirit despite being small or disadvantaged
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈskræpi/
Example Sentences
- My scrappy little brother always challenges kids twice his size to arm wrestling.
- The scrappy startup competed against tech giants and somehow survived.
- Her scrappy essay was full of random ideas but lacked structure.
scrappy
ADJECTIVE[/ˈskræpi/]
determined and willing to fight or argue; showing a fighting spirit despite being small or disadvantaged
The scrappy underdog boxer keeps swinging even after three knockdowns.
Stay scrappy, stay happy, make it snappy!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from 'scrap' in the late 19th century, originally meaning 'fragmentary or incomplete'. The word later expanded to mean 'fond of fighting' or 'full of fighting spirit', reflecting both the sense of scattered, combative action and determined aggression.
Breakdown
scrap (fragment, fight) + -y (adjective suffix forming descriptive terms). The suffix -y transforms the noun into an adjective indicating a tendency or quality.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My scrappy little brother always challenges kids twice his size to arm wrestling.”
“The scrappy startup competed against tech giants and somehow survived.”
“Her scrappy essay was full of random ideas but lacked structure.”
“The scrappy old cat still thinks it can catch birds at age 15.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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