Definition

Noun: - The back of the neck, especially the loose skin or hair at the back: The term "scruff" specifically refers to the nape, the rear part of the neck.

Usage

The word "scruff" is most commonly used in the fixed phrase "the scruff of the neck". It is used to describe the area grabbed when lifting or holding an animal (like a cat) or, informally, a person, often to control or move them.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "by the scruff of the neck": This idiom means to take firm control of a situation or a person.
  • The new manager took the failing project by the scruff of the neck and turned it around.

Variants and Related Words

• Scruffy (adj): Untidy or shabby in appearance.
  • He wore a scruffy old jacket.

Synonyms

• Nape: The back of the neck (more formal and anatomical).
• Nucha: The technical term for the nape (rarely used in everyday language).

Noun

1. the back side of the neck