scapegrace
/'skeipgreis/
Definition
Noun: 1. A reckless and unprincipled reprobate; a mischievous or wayward person, especially a young one: A "scapegrace" is a person, often a young man or boy, who behaves in a wild, irresponsible, and morally lax manner. The term implies a lack of discipline and a tendency to cause trouble, but it can sometimes carry a tone of exasperated affection rather than pure condemnation.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The young scapegrace was always getting into trouble at school.
- Despite being a charming scapegrace, his reckless spending worried his family.
- The novel's hero starts as a lovable scapegrace before finding his purpose.
Advanced Usage
- The word is considered somewhat old-fashioned or literary in modern English.
- It can be used humorously or lightly to describe someone who is naughty or irresponsible but not truly evil.
- Oh, that scapegrace of a brother of mine borrowed my car again without asking!
Variants and Related Words
- Scapegrace functions solely as a noun. There are no direct verb or adjective forms.
- Etymology Note: The word is a combination of "scape" (as in "escape") and "grace," suggesting one who has escaped or fallen from grace.
Synonyms
- Rascal: A mischievous or cheeky person.
- Reprobate: An unprincipled person (often stronger and less affectionate than "scapegrace").
- Scoundrel: A dishonest or unscrupulous person.
- Ne'er-do-well: A person who is lazy and worthless.
- Black sheep: A person who is regarded as a disgrace to a family or group.
Antonyms
- Paragon: A model of excellence or perfection.
- Saint: A person of exceptional holiness or virtue.
Related Idioms
- While there are no common idioms using the exact word "scapegrace," the concept is related to phrases like:
- To sow one's wild oats: To behave in a wild or irresponsible way when young.
- He was a bit of a scapegrace in his youth, sowing his wild oats before settling down.
Noun
-
a reckless and unprincipled reprobate
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
