noun
scalawag
SKAL-uh-wag/ˈskæləwæɡ/
A disreputable or mischievous person.
The scalawag secretly places a rubber spider on the woman's shoulder.
Etymology
The origin is uncertain, though Scottish scallag, “farm servant, rustic,” perhaps influenced by wag, “habitual joker,” has been suggested. Early uses included both a disreputable person and an undersized or worthless animal.
More examples
- The scalawag sells broken tools as if they were new.
- You scalawag, you ate the last cookie!
- Those scalawags keep ringing our doorbell and running away.
Forms
scalawag · scalawags
Similar words
- rascal
- Often affectionate, emphasizing playful mischief rather than serious dishonesty.
- rogue
- Suggests someone charming but untrustworthy who disregards rules.
- scoundrel
- Expresses stronger condemnation of a dishonest or dishonorable person.