scallawag

scallawag

A farmer feeds the hungry scallawag in the barn.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A worthless or disreputable person: "scallawag" refers to an individual considered to be of low moral character, dishonest, or untrustworthy.
    • A small, undersized or poorly nourished animal: In some contexts, it describes an animal that is weak, sickly, or of inferior size.
    • A scamp or rascal: Used playfully or affectionately, it can refer to a mischievous person, especially a child.
    • Historical (US, slang): A white Southerner who collaborated with Republican Reconstruction governments after the American Civil War, often viewed negatively by other Southerners.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • That scallawag stole my wallet while I wasn't looking. (A dishonest, untrustworthy person.)
    • The farmer said the runt of the litter was just a scallawag, too small to survive. (An undersized or weak animal.)
    • My little brother is such a scallawag; he hid my shoes again. (A playful rascal or mischievous child.)
    • During Reconstruction, many scallawags were accused of betraying the South. (A historical term for a Southern collaborator with Republicans.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to call someone a scallawag": to label a person as worthless or dishonest.

    • The old man called the thief a scallawag before the police arrived. (He insulted the thief's character.)

  • "a lovable scallawag": a term of endearment for a mischievous but charming person.

    • Despite his tricks, everyone saw him as a lovable scallawag. (He was seen as a rascal but still liked.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Scallywag (n): an alternative spelling of scallawag, more common in British English.

    • The scallywag was caught stealing apples from the orchard. (A mischievous person or thief.)

  • Scalawag (n): another common variant spelling.

    • He was known as a scalawag in the town for his shady deals. (A dishonest person.)
Synonyms
  • Rascal: a mischievous or dishonest person.
  • Rogue: a dishonest or unprincipled person.
  • Scamp: a person, especially a child, who is mischievous but likeable.
  • Reprobate: an unprincipled person; a scoundrel.
Related Idioms

  • "a scallawag of the first order": an extremely worthless or disreputable person.

    • That con artist is a scallawag of the first order. (He is exceptionally dishonest.)

  • "no better than a scallawag": used to describe someone of very low character.

    • After cheating his own family, he was no better than a scallawag. (He was considered morally worthless.)