scrappy

1 of 2

adjective (1)

scrap·​py ˈskra-pē 

scrappier; scrappiest

: consisting of scraps

scrappy meals

scrappy

2 of 2

adjective (2)

scrappier; scrappiest

1

: quarrelsome

2

: having an aggressive and determined spirit : feisty

Synonyms

Adjective (2)

• aggressive
• agonistic
• argumentative
• assaultive
• bellicose
• belligerent
• brawly
• chippy
• combative
• confrontational
• contentious
• discordant
• disputatious
• feisty
• gladiatorial
• militant
• pugnacious
• quarrelsome
• truculent
• warlike

Examples of scrappy in a Sentence

Adjective (2)

she was a scrappy girl despite—or, perhaps, because of—her small size

a pair of scrappy movie critics who can never agree on anything

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The Clippers are no longer the scrappy underdog without high expectations or Kawhi Leonard for a single game before January. —Law Murray, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025

Fans online appeared charmed by the scrappy cast of characters who were hell-bent on finishing the Shakespearean work. —Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News, 20 Feb. 2025

Once a scrappy up-start comedy hour, the show is now considered must-see late-night TV. —Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025

Why the scrappy indie bet on Bong Joon Ho Feb. 10, 2020 After essentially sticking to the same packaging for its first four years, Neon reimagined the box in 2021, creating specific design elements for individual movies in that year’s slate. —Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 13 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

scrap entry 1

Adjective (2)

scrap entry 3

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

1837, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

scrappy

adjective

scrap·​py

ˈskrap-ē

scrappier; scrappiest

1

: quarrelsome

2

: having an aggressive and determined spirit

scrappiness noun