scallywag Definition
- 1a person who behaves badly but in an amusingly mischievous rather than harmful way
- 2a dishonest or unscrupulous person; a rogue
Using scallywag: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "scallywag" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He was a lovable scallywag who always had a trick up his sleeve.
Example
The scallywag stole my wallet while I wasn't looking.
Example
The little scallywags were causing mischief in the park.
Example
He's a scallywag, but he means well.
scallywag Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using scallywag
Example
Even though he's a successful businessman now, he's still a scallywag at heart.
Example
He lived the life of a scallywag and vagabond, traveling from town to town and getting into all sorts of trouble.
Example
Despite his scallywag ways, everyone loved him for his sense of humor.
Phrases with scallywag
Example
The old scallywag always had a story to tell.
Example
The little scallywag was always getting into trouble.
scallywag tactics
dishonest or unscrupulous methods used to achieve a goal
Example
The company used scallywag tactics to gain an advantage over its competitors.
Origins of scallywag
originated in the mid-18th century as a nautical term for a slovenly dressed seaman, from 'scally' (an informal British/Irish term for a disreputable person) and 'wag' (a joker or wit)
Summary: scallywag in Brief
'Scallywag' [skal-ee-wag] refers to a person who behaves badly but in an amusingly mischievous rather than harmful way. It can also refer to a dishonest or unscrupulous person. The term originated as a nautical term for a slovenly dressed seaman. 'Scallywag' is often used affectionately, as in 'little scallywag,' and extends into idioms like 'scallywag and vagabond,' denoting a person who is both a rogue and a wanderer.
