What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ratty
Example
The old couch in the living room looks ratty and needs to be replaced. [ratty: adjective]
Example
He looked ratty and disheveled after spending the night on the streets. [ratty: adjective]
Example
She's been in a ratty mood all day and snapping at everyone. [ratty: adjective]
scruffy
Example
The abandoned house on the corner looks scruffy and rundown. [scruffy: adjective]
Example
He showed up to the interview looking scruffy and unprofessional. [scruffy: adjective]
Example
The office was scruffy and cluttered with papers and files everywhere. [scruffy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scruffy is more commonly used than ratty in everyday language. Scruffy is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ratty is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ratty and scruffy?
Both ratty and scruffy are informal and casual in tone, and are not typically used in formal contexts.
