scratch-cat
Definition
- Noun:
- A spiteful or malicious woman: "scratch-cat" refers to a woman who is quarrelsome, sharp-tongued, or prone to causing trouble, often likened to a cat that scratches.
- A mischievous or cunning child: The word can also describe a child who is sly, clever in a troublesome way, or difficult to manage.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The old widow was known as a scratch-cat, always starting arguments with her neighbors. (A spiteful woman who caused conflict.)
- That little scratch-cat hid my keys just to get a reaction from me. (A mischievous child acting slyly.)
Advanced Usage
- The word "scratch-cat" is informal and somewhat dated, often used in literary or regional contexts to describe a person (typically female) with a sharp temper or a child who is cleverly troublesome. It carries a negative connotation.
Variants and Related Words
- Scratch (n/v): a mark or wound made by claws or fingernails; to scrape or tear the surface.
- The cat left a scratch on the sofa. (A mark from claws.)
- Cat (n): a small domesticated carnivorous mammal; also used metaphorically for a person (e.g., "old cat" for a spiteful woman).
Synonyms
- Vixen: a spiteful or quarrelsome woman.
- Harpy: a cruel or greedy woman.
- Termagant: a harsh-tempered or overbearing woman.
- Imp: a mischievous child.
Related Idioms
- "To scratch someone's eyes out": to attack someone violently, especially in a fit of anger.
- When she heard the gossip, she looked ready to scratch someone's eyes out. (To threaten physical retaliation.)
- "Cat fight": a quarrel between women, often involving scratching or clawing.
- The argument turned into a cat fight over the last piece of cake. (A heated verbal or physical altercation between women.)