What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scruffle
Example
The dog's fur was all scruffled up after playing in the mud. [scruffled: past participle]
Example
The kids had a scruffle on the playground during recess. [scruffle: noun]
Example
I had to scruffle through my bag to find my keys. [scruffle: verb]
tussle
Example
The two wrestlers engaged in a fierce tussle for the championship title. [tussle: noun]
Example
The siblings had a tussle over who would get the last slice of pizza. [tussle: verb]
Example
I had a tussle with the heavy box while moving it up the stairs. [tussle: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tussle is more commonly used than scruffle in everyday language, especially in contexts related to conflict or competition.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between scruffle and tussle?
Both scruffle and tussle are informal words that are not typically used in formal settings.
