What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mangy
Example
The stray dog looked mangy and in need of a good bath. [mangy: adjective]
Example
The old couch in the basement was covered in mangy fabric and needed to be replaced. [mangy: adjective]
scruffy
Example
He showed up to the interview looking scruffy and unprofessional. [scruffy: adjective]
Example
The old book had a scruffy cover and yellowed pages. [scruffy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scruffy is more commonly used than mangy in everyday language. Scruffy is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while mangy is less common and refers specifically to the appearance of animals.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mangy and scruffy?
Both mangy and scruffy are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.
