scran

A hungry hiker enjoys a simple scran of bread and cheese on a trail.

Definition

1. Noun (chiefly British, informal)
   • Food, especially of a simple or basic kind: "scran" refers to food or provisions, often associated with casual or hearty eating.
   • Leftover scraps: In some contexts, it can mean odds and ends of food, akin to "scraps" or "bits."

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • We grabbed some scran from the pub before heading home. (We got some simple food from the pub.)
  • The kids were happy with the scran left over from the party. (The children were pleased with the leftover food.)
  • "Bad scran to you!" is an old expression meaning "bad luck to you!" (A curse or wish of misfortune, using "scran" as a metaphor for luck or sustenance.)

Advanced Usage

• "Bad scran to...!" (idiomatic, archaic): A phrase used to express a curse or ill will, similar to "bad luck to you!" It likely originates from the idea of wishing someone poor food or bad provisions.

  • "Bad scran to the thief who stole my purse!" (May misfortune befall the thief.)

• "Scran" as a verb (rare, dialectal): To eat greedily or to consume food quickly.

  • He scraned the entire plate of stew in minutes. (He ate the stew very quickly and eagerly.)

Variants and Related Words

• Scran (verb, dialectal): To eat ravenously or to gobble up.

  • The hungry workers scraned their lunch break. (They ate quickly during their break.)

• Scranning (noun, dialectal): The act of eating greedily.

  • There was a lot of scranning at the feast. (People ate heartily and quickly.)

Synonyms

• Food (n): any nourishing substance eaten to sustain life.
• Grub (n, informal): food, especially simple or hearty meals.
• Chow (n, informal): food, often used in military or casual contexts.
• Provisions (n): supplies of food and drink.

Related Idioms

• "Bad scran to..." (archaic): A curse wishing ill fortune, as noted above.
• "Scran and scram" (slang): A phrase meaning "food and drink" or "eat and leave quickly," though rare today.
  • We had a quick scran and scram before the train arrived. (We ate hastily and departed.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Scran down (informal, British): To eat heavily or to finish all the food.

  • The team scraned down the pizza after the match. (They ate all the pizza eagerly.)

• Scran up (rare): To prepare or gather food.

  • Let's scran up some sandwiches for the trip. (Let's make some sandwiches.)