scalawag Definition
- 1a person who behaves badly but in an amusingly mischievous rather than harmful way
- 2a white Southerner who collaborated with northern Republicans during Reconstruction, often for personal profit
Using scalawag: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "scalawag" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He was always getting into trouble as a child, but he was just a harmless scalawag.
Example
The scalawags were seen as traitors by many Southerners.
Example
The town's local scalawag was known for his pranks and practical jokes.
scalawag Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with scalawag
Example
The little scalawag snuck out of bed to play with his toys.
Example
Many people saw him as a political scalawag for switching parties so frequently.
Example
She may be a cute scalawag, but she still needs to follow the rules.
Origins of scalawag
originally a Scottish term for a weak or worthless animal, later used to describe a scoundrel or rascal
Summary: scalawag in Brief
A 'scalawag' [ˈskæləwæɡ] is a person who behaves in a mischievous but amusing way, often without causing harm. It can also refer to a white Southerner who collaborated with northern Republicans during Reconstruction, often for personal gain. Examples include 'He was always getting into trouble as a child, but he was just a harmless scalawag.' and 'The town's local scalawag was known for his pranks and practical jokes.'
