What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scrappy
Example
Despite growing up in poverty, she was a scrappy fighter who never gave up. [scrappy: adjective]
Example
The team's scrappy defense managed to hold off the opposing team's offense. [scrappy: adjective]
plucky
Example
The plucky young girl refused to let her disability hold her back from pursuing her dreams. [plucky: adjective]
Example
He showed his plucky side by taking on the difficult task without hesitation. [plucky: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scrappy is more commonly used than plucky in everyday language, especially in American English.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scrappy and plucky?
Plucky is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while scrappy is typically associated with a more informal or colloquial tone.