scoreboard (n.) — scrimpy (adj.)

scoreboard (n.)

also score-board, 1826, "blackboard in a tavern on which debts are chalked," from score (n.) + board (n.1). By 1884 as a display of the tally on a sports contest or game.ETD scoreboard (n.).2

scoreless (adj.)

in games or contests, "having no score," 1880, from score (n.) + -less.ETD scoreless (adj.).2

scorer (n.)

late 14c., "one who or that which makes notches," agent noun from score (v.). By 1732 as "one who keeps record of a score" (in a match or game), by 1884 as "one who makes a score" in a match or game.ETD scorer (n.).2

scorn (v.)

late 12c., scornen, "act contemptuously;" early 13c., "feel scorn or contempt, be contemptuous;" late 13c., transitive, "hold in scorn or contempt;" from Anglo-French, Old North French escarnir (Old French escharnir), a common Romanic verb (Spanish escarnir, Italian schernire), from a Germanic source, from Proto-Germanic *skarnjan "mock, deride" (source also of Middle High German scherzen "to jump with joy, Old High German skernon, Middle Dutch schernen). Related: Scorned; scorning.ETD scorn (v.).2

OED rejects the suggestion that the vowel change in the Romanic languages might be by influence of or confusion with Old French escorner "deprive of horns," hence "deprive of honor or ornament, disgrace," from Vulgar Latin *excornare (source of Italian scornare "treat with contempt"), from Latin ex- "without" (see ex-) + cornu "horn" (see horn (n.)).ETD scorn (v.).3

scorn (n.)

late 12c., scorn, skarn, "feeling or attitude of contempt; contemptuous treatment, mocking abuse," a shortening of Old French escarn "mockery, derision, contempt," a common Romanic word (Spanish escarnio, Italian scherno) of Germanic origin (source also of Old High German skern "mockery, jest, sport;" see scorn (v.)).ETD scorn (n.).2

The vowel is perhaps influenced by Old French escorne "affront, disgrace," which is a back-formation from escorner, literally "to break off (someone's) horns" (see the verb). To laugh (someone) to scorn is from c. 1300 ("Sir Bevis").ETD scorn (n.).3

scornful (adj.)

mid-14c., "mocking, derisive;" c. 1400, "disdainful;" see scorn (n.) + -ful. From 1560s as "provoking or exciting contempt." Scorny was 19c. U.S. colloquial. Related: Scornfully; scornfulness. An older adverb was scornliche (c. 1300).ETD scornful (adj.).2

scorner (n.)

c. 1300, "one who disdains or ridicules, a mocker," formerly especially "a scoffer at religion, one who mocks or derides church rules and leaders," agent noun from scorn (v.).ETD scorner (n.).2

Scorpio (n.)

zodiacal constellation, late 14c., from Latin scorpio (poetic scorpius) "scorpion," also the zodiac constellation (see scorpion). The meaning "person born under or ruled by the sign of Scorpio" is recorded from 1941. Since 1922 the official (International Astronomical Union) scientific designation of the constellation has been Scorpius, leaving Scorpio to astrology.ETD Scorpio (n.).2

scorpion (n.)

type of arachnid inhabiting warm regions, notable for its large "nippers" and the painful sting in its tail, c. 1200, scorpioun, perhaps late Old English, from Old French scorpion (12c.), from Latin scorpionem (nominative scorpio), extended form of scorpius, from Greek skorpios "a scorpion" (from PIE root *sker- (1) "to cut"). The Spanish alacran "scorpion" is from Arabic al-'aqrab. It was symbolic in Middle English of a treacherous person. As the zodiac sign by late 14c. Related: Scorpioid.ETD scorpion (n.).2

Scot

Old English Scottas (plural) "inhabitants of Ireland, Irishmen," from Late Latin Scotti (c. 400), a name of uncertain origin, perhaps from Celtic (but answering to no known tribal name; Irish Scots appears to be a Latin borrowing). The name followed the Irish tribe which invaded Scotland 6c. C.E. after the Romans withdrew from Britain, and after the time of Alfred the Great the Old English word described only the Irish who had settled in the northwest of Britain.ETD Scot.2

Scots

"Scottish, of or relating to Scotland or its inhabitants," mid-14c., a contracted variant of Middle English Scottis, a northern dialectal form of Scottish. Also compare Scotch. As "the dialect of English spoken in the Scottish lowlands," by 1540s.ETD Scots.2

scot (n.)

"royal tax," a term that survived in old law and in scot-free; late Old English, "municipal charges and taxes," also "a royal tax or contribution sometimes levied for support of local officers." This is from Old Norse skot "contribution," etymologically "a shooting, shot; a thing shot, a missile" (from PIE root *skeud- "to shoot, chase, throw"). The Old Norse verb form, skjota, has a secondary sense of "transfer to another; pay." It is related to Old English sceotan "to pay, contribute," Middle English scotten "to bear one's share of;" Dutch schot, German Schoß "tax, contribution."ETD scot (n.).2

Also via Old French escot "reckoning, payment" (Modern French écot "share"), and via Medieval Latin scotum, scottum, both from Germanic, as is Spanish ecote.ETD scot (n.).3

From c. 1300 as "payment for food or drink at a social gathering," also figurative (late 12c.), a sense also in the Old French word. Hence scot-ale (n.) "a drinking party, probably compulsory, held by a sheriff, forester, bailiff, etc., for which a contribution was exacted" [Middle English Compendium], attested from late 12c., with ending as in bridal. "Scot implies a contribution toward some object to which others contributed equally" [Century Dictionary].ETD scot (n.).4

Scotch (adj.)

"of Scotland," 1590s, a contraction of Scottish. As a noun, by 1743 as "the people of Scotland collectively;" 1700 as "the sort of English spoken by the people of Scotland."ETD Scotch (adj.).2

Scots (mid-14c.) is the older adjective, which is from Scottis, the northern variant of Scottish. Scots was used in Scottish English until 18c., then Scotch became vernacular, but in mid-19c. there was a reaction against it because of insulting and pejorative formations made from it by the English (such as Scotch greys "lice;" Scotch attorney, a Jamaica term from 1864 for strangler vines).ETD Scotch (adj.).3

Scotch-Irish is from 1744 (adj.); 1789 (n.); more properly Scots-Irish (1966). Commercial Scotch Tape (1945) was said to be so called because at first it had adhesive only on the edges (to make it easier to remove as a masking tape in car paint jobs), which was interpreted as a sign of cheapness on the part of the manufacturers. It had become a verb by 1955 and for a time was often printed without capitals.ETD Scotch (adj.).4

scotch (v.)

early 15c., scocchen "to cut, score, gash, make an incision," a word of obscure origin. Century Dictionary considers that it might be a deformation of scratch. Chronology rules out connection with scorch. Perhaps [Barnhart] from Anglo-French escocher, Old French cocher "to notch, nick," from coche "a notch, groove," perhaps from Latin coccum "berry of the scarlet oak," which appears notched, from Greek kokkos.ETD scotch (v.).2

The meaning "stamp out, crush" (often figurative, of abstract things) is by 1825, earlier "make harmless for a time, wound slightly" (1798), a sense that derives from an uncertain reading of "Macbeth" III.ii.13). Related: Scotched; scotching.ETD scotch (v.).3

scotch (n.2)

"incision, cut, score, gash," mid-15c., scoch, in cookery, related to scotch (v.). Compare Old French coche "notch on an arrow."ETD scotch (n.2).2

scotch (n.1)

1778, elliptical for Scotch whisky. See Scotch (adj.).ETD scotch (n.1).2

Scotchman (n.)

"native of Scotland," early 15c., Scocheman; see Scotch + man (n.). Scotchwoman is by 1818.ETD Scotchman (n.).2

scot-free (adj.)

late Old English scotfreo "exempt from royal tax," from scot (n.) "royal tax" + freo "free" (see free (adj.)).ETD scot-free (adj.).2

Scotland

named for the Scots, who settled there from Ireland 5c.-6c.; their name is of unknown origin (see Scot). Latin Scotia began to appear 9c. as the name for the region, replacing older Caledonia, also named by the Romans for the inhabitants at the time, whose name likewise is of unknown origin.ETD Scotland.2

Scotland Yard (n.)

used for "London Metropolitan Police," 1864, from the name of short street off Whitehall, where from 1829 to 1890 stood the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police Force, hence, the force itself, especially the detective branch. After 1890, it was located in "New Scotland Yard."ETD Scotland Yard (n.).2

scotoma (n.)

(plural scotomata), 1875 as "defect in the visual field," from Late Latin scotoma, from Latinized form of Greek skotōma "dizziness," from skotoun "to darken," from skotos "darkness" (from PIE root *skoto- "dark, shade."). Earlier as "dizziness accompanied by dimness of sight" (1540s). Related: Scotomatical.ETD scotoma (n.).2

Scotsman (n.)

"native of Scotland," late 14c., from Scots + man (n.). Scotswoman is by 1820.ETD Scotsman (n.).2

Scott

surname, by early 12c., from Old English Scott (see Scot); also a personal name in Old English.ETD Scott.2

Scottie (n.)

type of dog, 1907, short for Scotch terrier, which is by 1810.ETD Scottie (n.).2

Scottish (adj.)

late Old English Scottisc, "of Scottish nationality; found or done in Scotland;" see Scot + -ish. Related: Scottishness (1844).ETD Scottish (adj.).2

scoundrel (n.)

1580s, skowndrell, "base, mean, worthless fellow," a word of unknown origin. Century Dictionary, citing Skeat, makes it perhaps ultimately from the source of shun. Another suggestion is Anglo-French escoundre (Old French escondre) "to hide, hide oneself," from Vulgar Latin *excondere, from Latin condere "to hide, put away, store," from assimilated form of com- "together" (see com-) + -dere "put" (from PIE root *dhe- "to put, place"). The main objection is the hundreds of years between the two words. OED thinks the sense has strengthened since 18c., to "audacious rascal, one destitute of all moral scruple." Related: Scoundrelly.ETD scoundrel (n.).2

scour (v.1)

c. 1200, scouren, "cleanse by hard rubbing," probably via Middle Dutch scuren, schuren "to polish, to clean," and from Old French escurer, both from Late Latin excurare (Medieval Latin scurare) "clean off," literally "take good care of," from Latin ex "out," or here perhaps intensive (see ex-), + curare "care for, take care of" (see cure (v.)). OED suggests it entered the language as a technical term among Flemish workmen in England. From 1580s as "to wash vigorously." Related: Scoured; scouring. As a noun, 1610s, from the verb.ETD scour (v.1).2

scour (v.2)

[move quickly in search of something], c. 1300, scouren, a word of uncertain origin, probably from Old Norse skyra "rush in," related to skur "storm, shower, shower of missiles" (see shower (n.)). This was likely influenced by or blended with Old French escorre "to run out," from Latin excurrere (see excursion).ETD scour (v.2).2

The sense also probably has been influenced by scour (v.1) "cleanse by hard rubbing" and entangled with it in some figurative uses and in phrases such as scour the countryside "clear (a place) of enemies or undesirable persons." Middle English also had it as a noun, as in the expression in good scour "quickly, with all haste" (c. 1300).ETD scour (v.2).3

scourge (n.)

c. 1200, "a whip used for inflicting pain or punishment, a lash used for torture," from Anglo-French scorge, escorge, back-formation from Old French scurge, eschurge "a whip, scourge, thong," from escorgier "to whip," which is from Vulgar Latin *excorrigiare. This is a compound of Latin ex- "out, off," or here perhaps intensive, (see ex-) + corrigia "thong, shoelace," in Late Latin "rein," with sense extension here to "whip." This is probably [Barnhart] from a Gaulish word related to Old Irish cuimrech "fetter," from PIE root *reig- "to bind" (see rig (v.)).ETD scourge (n.).2

Figurative use is from late 14c., biblical, "a punishment, a punitive infliction;" also "one who or that which scourges or destroys." Scourge of God (Latin flagellum Dei), a title given by later generations to Attila the Hun (406-453 C.E.), is attested from late 14c. (Goddes scourge).ETD scourge (n.).3

scourge (v.)

c. 1300, scourgen, "to whip, flog" (another, one's self or body, an animal), from Old French escorgier "to whip" and in part from scourge (n.). The figurative meaning "afflict severely, chastise" (often for the sake of punishment or purification) is from late 14c., Biblical. Essentially a doublet of excoriate. Related: Scourged; scourging.ETD scourge (v.).2

scouse (n.)

1840, "sailor's stew made of meat, vegetables, and hardtack," short for lobscouse (1706), a word of uncertain origin (compare loblolly).ETD scouse (n.).2

Transferred sense of "native or inhabitant of Liverpool" (where the stew is a characteristic dish) is recorded by 1945; in reference to the regional dialect by 1957. Related: Scouser (1959)ETD scouse (n.).3

scout (v.1)

late 14c., scouten, "observe or explore as a scout, travel in search of information," from Middle English scout-watch "sentinel, guard" (compare scout (n.)) or else Old French escouter "to listen, to heed" (Modern French écouter), from Latin auscultare "to listen to, give heed to" (see auscultate). Related: Scouted; scouting.ETD scout (v.1).2

scout (n.)

"person who scouts, one sent out to gain and bring in information," 1550s, from scout (v.1). Scout-watch (late 14c.) was an old word for "sentinel, guard." Boy Scout is from 1908, as is Scout for a shortening of it. Scout's honor in reference to Boy Scouting is attested from 1908.ETD scout (n.).2

scout (v.2)

"to reject (something) with scorn," 1710, earlier "to mock, ridicule, treat with disdain and contempt" (c. 1600, now obsolete), of Scandinavian origin (compare Old Norse skuta, skute "to taunt"), from skotja "to shoot" (on the notion of a "shooting of words"), which according to Watkins is from a Proto-Germanic *skut- from PIE root *skeud- "to shoot, chase, throw." also source of shout (v.). Compare Middle English scoute (n.) "a wretch, rascal, rogue" (male or female), attested from late 14c. Related: Scouted; scouting; scoutingly.ETD scout (v.2).2

scouting (n.)

1640s, "spying, reconnoitering," verbal noun from scout (v.1). In the sense of "the values or activities of Boy Scouts or the Boy Scout movement," from 1908.ETD scouting (n.).2

scoutmaster (n.)

also scout-master, 1570s, "army officer who has direction of scouts and messengers," from scout (n.) + master (n.). Boy Scouting sense of "adult leader of a troop" is from 1908.ETD scoutmaster (n.).2

scow (n.)

"large flat-bottomed boat," used chiefly for transporting loads, 1780, from Dutch schouw "ferry boat, punt," from Middle Dutch scouwe, which according to Barnhart is related to Old English scaldan, Old Saxon scaldan "to push (a boat) from shore."ETD scow (n.).2

scowl (v.)

"lower the brows, as in anger or displeasure, put on a frowning look," c. 1400, scoulen, probably from a Scandinavian source (compare Norwegian skule "look furtively, squint, look embarrassed," Danish skule "to scowl, cast down the eyes"). According to Klein's sources, this is probably related to Old English sceolh "wry, oblique," Old High German scelah "curved," German scheel "squint-eyed;" from a PIE root *sqel- "crooked, curved, bent." Related: Scowled; scowling; scowlingly.ETD scowl (v.).2

scowl (n.)

"a lowering or wrinkling of the brows, as in anger or displeasure; a malevolent, lowering look," c. 1500, from scowl (v.).ETD scowl (n.).2

scr-

initial sound-cluster, containing the exceptions to the general rule that sc- or sk- in Modern English indicates a word not from Old English (whose sc- regularly becomes sh-). Words often are found in pairs, especially in dialect and slang, one in scr-, one in shr- (or schr-); a prominent surviving example is shred and screed, the same Old English word surviving in two forms now much different in meaning.ETD scr-.2

OED also notes that "Many English words beginning with scr- agree more or less closely in meaning with other words differing from them in form only by the absence of the initial s" (such as crunch/scrunch, scringe, an alternative form of cringe, etc.)ETD scr-.3

scrabble (n.)

1794, "a scramble, a confused struggle;" 1842, "a scrawling character in writing," from scrabble (v.) in its various senses. One of the scr- group of words of interlocking origin; also compare scramble, and scribble-scrabble "hasty writing" (1580s), a reduplication of scribble (n.). The popular word-forming board game, 1949, a proprietary name (registered U.S.), with capital S-. Theological polemicists of the 17th century had scrabblement as an insult for "unmeaning, rambling writing."ETD scrabble (n.).2

scrabble (v.)

1530s, "to scrawl; to scribble; make random, unmeaning marks," from Dutch schrabbelen, frequentative of schrabben "to scratch" (ultimately from PIE root *sker- (1) "to cut"). The intransitive meaning "scrape, scratch, or paw with the hands or claws" is from c. 1600; the meaning "to struggle, scramble" is recorded by 1630s, perhaps from or influenced by scramble. Related: Scrabbled; scrabbling.ETD scrabble (v.).2

scrag (n.)

1540s, "lean person or animal, a raw-bones;" perhaps from a Scandinavian source (compare Norwegian skragg "a lean person;" dialectal Swedish skraka "a great, dry tree; a long, lean man," skragge "old and torn thing," Danish skrog "hull of a ship; carcass," Icelandic skröggr, a nickname of the fox); perhaps from the same source as shrink.ETD scrag (n.).2

By 1640s as "lean end of a cut of meat," hence "neck" (18c.) and thence a range of slang verbal terms for "to strangle, to hang; to kill" in 19c.-20c.ETD scrag (n.).3

scraggy (adj.)

early 13c., scraggi, "rough, jagged" (figurative); 1570s, of landscape, "rough, rugged, stumpy;" 1610s, of persons or animals, "gaunt and wasted, lean, thin, bony;" see scrag (n.) + -y (2), and compare scroggy, scraggly, scrawny. In the landscape sense perhaps via scrag in the obsolete sense of "stump of a tree, rough projection from a trunk" (1560s), which had various spellings. In Scottish and Northern English, scranky "lean, slender, scraggy" (18c.). Related: Scraggily; scragginess.ETD scraggy (adj.).2

scraggly (adj.)

"having a rough, irregular, or ragged appearance," 1831, from scrag + -ly (1); also compare scraggy (13c.). Scraggling in the same sense is by 1722; Milton used scragged (attested from 1590s).ETD scraggly (adj.).2

scram (v.)

"depart quickly," often as an interjection, 1928, U.S. slang, either a shortened form of scramble (v.) or from German schramm, imperative singular of schrammen "depart," which is of uncertain origin. Said to be another coinage of U.S. sportswriter and Variety magazine staffer Jack "Con" Conway (1898-1928). Related: Scrammed; scramming.ETD scram (v.).2

scramble (v.)

1580s (intransitive), "make one's way by clambering, etc., struggle or wriggle along," also "strive with others or jostle and grasp rudely for a share or for mastery;" a word of obscure origin, perhaps a nasalized variant of scrabble (v.) "to struggle; to scrape quickly." OED points to dialectal scramb "pull together with the hands," a variant of scramp, which is probably a nasalized form of scrape.ETD scramble (v.).2

The transitive sense of "to stir or toss together randomly, cause to move confusedly" is from 1822. The transitive sense, in reference to radio signals, telephone voices, etc., "to make unintelligible," is attested from 1927, hence generally "to jumble, muddle." In U.S. football, in reference to a quarterback avoiding tacklers, by 1964. Related: Scrambled; scrambling. Scrambled eggs, broken into a pan, mixed with butter, salt, pepper, etc., and cooked slowly, is by 1843.ETD scramble (v.).3

scramble (n.)

1670s, "an eager, rude contest or struggle" with others for something or a chance of something, from scramble (v.). Meaning "a walk or ramble involving clambering and struggling with obstacles" is from 1755. Meaning "a rapid take-off" of an aircraft group is attested from 1940, R.A.F. slang, transitive and intransitive. In U.S. football, as a quarterback's move to avoid tacklers, by 1971. Middle English had scramblement (mid-15c.).ETD scramble (n.).2

scrambler (n.)

1680s, "one who scrambles," in any sense; 1902, "that which scrambles;" agent noun from scramble (v.). By 1950 specifically of an electronic device to make sounds unintelligible.ETD scrambler (n.).2

scrannel (adj.)

"thin, slight, slender, eager," 1630s; any modern use traces to Milton ("Lycidas," 124), who may have invented it out of dialectal scranny, a variant of scrawny. Or it might have been an existing word from a Scandinavian source akin to Norwegian skran "rubbish." Also compare English dialectal and Scottish skran "scraps, broken victuals; refuse," in military slang "food," which is of obscure origin, hence out on the scran "begging."ETD scrannel (adj.).2

scrap (n.1)

[small piece, fragment] late 14c., scrappe, "piece of food remaining after a meal" (usually plural), from Old Norse skrap "scraps; trifles," from skrapa "to scrape, scratch, cut" (see scrape (v.)).ETD scrap (n.1).2

Hence, "any remnant or small, detached piece" (1580s), typically negative (not a scrap) or in reference to something written or printed. The dismissive term scrap of paper is attested by 1840, made infamous in 1914 by the German chancellor's comment when violating the treaty that guaranteed Belgian neutrality.ETD scrap (n.1).3

The meaning "remains of metal produced or collected after rolling or casting to be reworked" is from 1790. Scrap-iron is attested by 1794.ETD scrap (n.1).4

scrap (n.2)

"a fight, struggle, tussle," 1846, possibly a dialectal variant of scrape (n.1) on the notion of "an abrasive encounter" [Century Dictionary]. Weekley and OED suggest obsolete colloquial scrap "scheme, villainy, vile intention" (1670s).ETD scrap (n.2).2

scrap (v.2)

"to fight, brawl, box," 1867, colloquial, from scrap (n.2). Intransitive sense of "argue heatedly, quarrel" is by 1895. Related: Scrapped; scrapping.ETD scrap (v.2).2

scrap (v.1)

"to make into scrap, consign to a scrap-heap, break up (machinery) into scrap-iron," 1883 (in reference to locomotives), from scrap (n.1). Related: Scrapped; scrapping; scrappable.ETD scrap (v.1).2

scrap-book (n.)

also scrapbook, "book for preserving small pictures, clippings, etc.," 1821, from scrap (n.1) + book (n.). As a verb, by 1879 ("Mark Twain"). Related: Scrapbooked; scrapbooking.ETD scrap-book (n.).2

scrape (v.)

early 13c., scrapen, "make erasures (with a knife), erase" (a sense now obsolete); by late 14c. as "to remove (an outer layer) with a sharp or rough instrument," probably in part from Old Norse skrapa "to scrape, erase" and in part from cognate Old English scrapian "to scrape," both from Proto-Germanic *skrapojan (source also of Dutch schrapen, German schrappen), from PIE *skerb- (an extension of the root *sker- (1) "to cut").ETD scrape (v.).2

The meaning "gather by great effort, collect with difficulty or by small savings" is from 1540s. From 1640s as "draw back the foot as a gesture of obeisance." By 1741 in the transitive sense of "rub harshly on (a surface) in passing along it so as to cause an abrasion or noise." Related: Scraped; scraping.ETD scrape (v.).3

To scrape acquaintance "get on terms of acquaintance with by careful effort" is from c. 1600. To scrape the bottom of the barrel in the figurative sense of "make do with the most inferior or defective examples of what is wanted for want of any others" is by 1942, in reference to U.S. employers facing worker shortages during the war (the figurative bottom of the (cracker) barrel is by 1938).ETD scrape (v.).4

scrape (n.)

mid-15c., "a scraping instrument;" late 15c., "act of scraping or scratching," from scrape (v.). By 1886 as "a scraping sound."ETD scrape (n.).2

From 1620s as a type of awkward bow or gesture of obeisance, in which the foot is drawn, or "scraped," backward. The meaning "embarrassing or awkward predicament," usually due to imprudence or thoughtlessness, is by 1709, as OED suggests, probably "from the notion of being 'scraped' in going through a narrow passage." In old slang it could mean "a shave" (1859).ETD scrape (n.).3

scraper (n.)

1550s, "instrument for scraping," originally a type of knife, agent noun from scrape (v.). Especially an iron implement at or near a door of a house from which to scrape dirt from the soles of shoes or boots" (1729). From 1560s as "miser, money-grubber;" 1610s as a derogatory term for a fiddler; 1792 as a contemptuous term for a barber. The earlier noun was Middle English scrapel (mid-14c.); also compare scrape (n.).ETD scraper (n.).2

scrap-heap (n.)

1803, "place where scrap is collected," later especially "place in a railroad yard, etc., where old iron is collected," from scrap (n.1) + heap (n.).ETD scrap-heap (n.).2

scrap-paper (n.)

"waste paper," especially that which has been re-pulped, hence "coarse paper for casual jotting," 1885; see scrap (n.) + paper (n.).ETD scrap-paper (n.).2

scrapper (n.)

1874 (Hotten), "pugilist, fighter," agent noun from scrap (v.2). Later used generally of anyone or anything that puts up a fight.ETD scrapper (n.).2

scrappy (adj.)

"consisting of scraps, made from odds and ends," 1837, from scrap (n.1) + -y (2). Meaning "inclined to fight, pugnacious" (1895) is from scrap (v.2). Related: Scrappily; scrappiness.ETD scrappy (adj.).2

scrapple (n.)

"scraps of pork and cornmeal seasoned, boiled, and pressed into large cakes," 1850, probably a diminutive form of scrap (n.1) with -el (2). A dish of Pennsylvania German origin, noted especially, and perhaps originally, as a regional favorite in and around Philadelphia.ETD scrapple (n.).2

scrap-yard (n.)

also scrapyard, "place where metal or metal machinery is taken for scrap," 1875, from scrap (n.1) + yard (n.1).ETD scrap-yard (n.).2

scratch (adj.)

"gathered hastily, done impromptu," 1851, adjective use of scratch (n.1).ETD scratch (adj.).2

scratch (n.1)

1580s, "a slight wound or laceration, slight tear in a skin or surface produced by something sharp or rough," from scratch (v.). Meaning "mark or slight furrow in metal, etc." is from 1660s.ETD scratch (n.1).2

The American English slang sense of "(paper) money" is from 1914, of uncertain signification. Many figurative senses (such as up to scratch, originally "ready to meet one's opponent") are from sporting use for "line or mark drawn as a starting place for contestants," attested from 1778 (but the earliest use is figurative). The meaning "nothing" (as in from scratch) is by 1918, generalized from specific 19c. sporting sense of "starting point of a competitor who receives no odds in a handicap match."ETD scratch (n.1).3

The use of the word in billiards is from 1850, originally "a stroke which is successful but not in the intended way." The meaning "pocket the cue ball" is by 1914. Scratch-pad, for hurried writing or drawing, is attested from 1883.ETD scratch (n.1).4

scratch (v.)

c. 1400, scracchen, transitive, "mark or wound slightly on the surface by a scraping or tearing action with something rough, sharp, or pointed," probably a fusion of Middle English scratten and crachen, both meaning "to scratch," both of uncertain origin. Also compare scr-. Related: Scratched; scratching.ETD scratch (v.).2

The meaning "relieve skin irritation by a scraping motion with the nails or claws or a scratcher" is by 1520s. The billiards sense of "hit the cue ball into a pocket" is recorded by 1909 (also, originally, itch), though earlier it meant "a lucky shot" (1850). The meaning "to withdraw (a horse) from a race" is 1865, from notion of scratching its name off a list of competitors; the phrase was used in a non-sporting sense of "cancel a plan, etc." by 1680s.ETD scratch (v.).3

To scratch the surface "make only slight progress in penetrating or understanding" is from 1882. To scratch (one's) head as a gesture of perplexity is recorded from 1712. The plastering scratch-coat, roughened by scratching before it sets, is by 1891.ETD scratch (v.).4

Scratch (n.2)

in Old Scratch "the devil," 1740; it is said to be a variant of Middle English scrat, scratte "monster, goblin" (mid-13c. in place names), which is probably from Old Norse skratte "goblin, wizard," and said to mean probably originally "monster." Old English forms of it were scritta, used to gloss Latin hermaphroditus, and scrætte "adulteress, harlot." But between Old English and 1740 the "hermaphrodite" sense is the only one recorded. Perhaps the modern word was formed from or jokingly alluded to Old Nick "the devil."ETD Scratch (n.2).2

scratcher (n.)

"one who or that which scratches," 1550s, agent noun from scratch (v.).ETD scratcher (n.).2

scratchy (adj.)

1710, "affected with 'the scratch,'" a skin disease (a sense now obsolete), from scratch (n.1) + -y (2). In reference to pen- or brush-work, "composed of scratches," by 1827, hence "ragged, rough, irregular." The sense of "grating" is by 1866. Of sounds (especially in recorded reproduction) by 1889. Related: Scratchiness.ETD scratchy (adj.).2

scrawl (v.)

1610s, "write or draw awkwardly and untidily," a word of uncertain origin, perhaps from a specific use of Middle English scrawlen "spread out the limbs, sprawl" (early 15c.), which might be an alteration of sprawlen (see sprawl (v.)) or crawl (v.). Some sources suggest a contraction of scrabble. Related: Scrawled; scrawling.ETD scrawl (v.).2

The noun in the sense of "piece of unskilled or inelegant writing" is by 1690s, from the verb; the meaning "bad style of handwriting" is by 1710.ETD scrawl (v.).3

scrawny (adj.)

"meager, wasted, raw-boned," 1824, apparently a dialectal variant of scranny "lean, thin" (1820), which is of uncertain origin but probably from a Scandinavian source, perhaps Old Norse skrælna "to shrivel." Compare scrannel. Related: Scrawniness.ETD scrawny (adj.).2

scream (n.)

c. 1500, "a sharp, piercing sound or cry," expressive of pain, alarm, etc., from scream (v.).ETD scream (n.).2

That spelling probably reflects "sk-" as spelled in words from Latin (such as school; see sch); his early editions also have schreene for screen. The slang meaning "something very great, excellent, or exciting," especially "something that evokes a cry of laughter" is by 1888; screamer in this sense is from 1831.ETD scream (n.).3

scream (v.)

late Old English, scræmen, scremen, "utter a piercing cry, cry out with a shrill voice," a word of uncertain origin, similar to words in Scandinavian, Dutch, German, and Flemish (such as Old Norse skræma "to terrify, scare away," skramsa "to scream;" Swedish scrana "to scream," Middle Dutch schremen, scremen, Dutch schreijen "cry aloud, shriek," Old High German scrian, German schreien "to cry"). Related: Screamed; screaming.ETD scream (v.).2

Of inanimate things by 1784 (fiddle music). The sense of "communicate (something) strongly" is by 1957. Screaming meemies is World War I army slang, originally a soldiers' name for a type of German artillery shell that made a loud noise in flight (from French woman's name Mimi), extended to the battle fatigue caused by long exposure to enemy fire.ETD scream (v.).3

screamer (n.)

1712, "one who or that which screams," agent noun from scream (v.). As a type of bird by 1773. By 1831 as "something excellent or exciting." In newspapers, "a large headline" (1890).ETD screamer (n.).2

scree (n.)

"pile of debris at the base of a cliff or steep mountainside," 1781, a back-formation from screes (plural) "pebbles, small stones," from Old Norse skriða "landslide." This is from the verb skriða "to creep, crawl;" of a ship, "to sail, glide," also "to slide" (on snow-shoes), from Proto-Germanic *skreithanan (source also of Old English scriþan "to go, glide," Old Saxon skridan, Dutch schrijden, Old High German scritan, German schreiten "to stride").ETD scree (n.).2

screech (n.)

"sharp, shrill cry," 1550s, from screech (v.). Earlier scritch (1510s). In reference to a harsh, squeaking noise made by something, by 1882.ETD screech (n.).2

screech (v.)

"cry out with a sharp, shrill voice," 1570s, an alteration of scritch (mid-13c., schrichen), perhaps a general Germanic word (compare Old Frisian skrichta, Muddle Dutch schrien), probably ultimately of imitative origin (compare shriek). Also compare screak, "utter a shrill, harsh cry," c. 1500, from Old Norse skrækja, also probably echoic. Related: Screeched; screeching.ETD screech (v.).2

Of wagon-wheels, door-hinges, etc., "make a shrill, grating sound," 1560s. Screech-owl is attested from 1590s (scritch-owl is from 1520s) in reference to the barn-owl; in the U.S. the term is applied to small horned owls. The name is given to owls that "screech" as distinguished from ones that hoot. The cry was regarded as ominous.ETD screech (v.).3

screed (n.)

early 15c., "fragment, piece torn off," also "strip of cloth," a northern England dialectal variant of Old English screade (see shred (n.)). Meaning "lengthy speech" is by 1812, from the notion of reading from a long list or simply a "long strip" of speaking.ETD screed (n.).2

screen (v.)

"to shield from punishment, protect from inconvenience or danger; to conceal," late 15c., from screen (n.). Meaning "sift by passing through a screen" is by 1660s; the meaning "examine systematically for suitability" is from 1943, a word from World War II. The sense of "release a movie" is from 1915. The U.S. sporting sense is by 1922. Related: Screened; screening.ETD screen (v.).2

screen (n.)

mid-14c., screne, "upright piece of furniture providing protection from heat of a fire, drafts, etc.," probably from a shortened (Anglo-French? compare Anglo-Latin screna) variant of Old North French escren, Old French escran "fire-screen, tester of a bed" (early 14c.). This is of uncertain origin, though probably from a Germanic source, perhaps from Middle Dutch scherm "screen, cover, shield," or Frankish *skrank "barrier," from Proto-Germanic *skirmjanan (source also of Old High German skirm, skerm "protection," Old Frisian skirma "protect, defend;" from PIE root *sker- (1) "to cut").ETD screen (n.).2

The sense of "anything interposed to conceal from view" is by c. 1600. The meaning "net-wire frame used in windows and doors" is recorded from 1859. Meaning "flat vertical surface for reception of projected images" is from 1810, originally in reference to magic lantern shows; later of movies. Transferred sense of "cinema world collectively" is attested from 1914; hence screen test "filmed test of performing abilities" (1918), etc.ETD screen (n.).3

The meaning "small fluorescent display on a TV set" is by 1946, extended to the display on a computer monitor by 1970, hence the monitor itself. The computer screen saver is attested by 1990. The meaning "window of an automobile" is by 1904. As a type of maneuver in sports, by 1934 (U.S. football, screen-pass). Screen printing recorded from 1918. Screen-door is from 1840. Screen-time "time spent watching a computer or television screen" is by 1999.ETD screen (n.).4

screenplay (n.)

"script from which a motion picture is made," 1916, from screen (n.) in the cinematic sense + play (n.).ETD screenplay (n.).2

screenshot (n.)

by 1991, from (computer) screen (n.) + shot (n.) in the photograph sense.ETD screenshot (n.).2

screenwriter (n.)

"writer of film scripts," 1921, from screen (n.) in the cinema sense + writer.ETD screenwriter (n.).2

screw (n.)

"cylinder of wood or metal with a spiral ridge (the thread) round it," c. 1400, scrue, from Old French escröe, escroue "nut, cylindrical socket, screw-hole," a word of uncertain etymology; not found in other Romanic languages.ETD screw (n.).2

Perhaps via Gallo-Roman *scroba or West Germanic *scruva from Vulgar Latin scrobis "screw-head groove," in classical Latin "ditch, trench," also "vagina" (Diez, though OED finds this "phonologically impossible"). OED seems to lean toward a group of apparently cognate Germanic words (Middle Low German, Middle Dutch schruve, Dutch schroef, German Schraube, Swedish skrufva "screw"), but these are said elsewhere to be French loan-words.ETD screw (n.).3

Kluge, Watkins and others trace it to Latin scrofa "breeding sow," perhaps on some fancied resemblance of the holes or furrows left by a rooting swine (compare Portuguese porca, Spanish perca "a female screw," from Latin porca "sow"). Latin scrofa in the "sow" sense is a specific Medieval Latin use; the word is literally "digger, rooter" (from PIE root *sker- (1) "to cut").ETD screw (n.).4

Originally an apparatus for lifting weight or pressing with it, hence its later consideration as one of the mechanical powers. The meaning "metal pin or tapered bolt with a spiral ridge, used to join articles of wood or metal," is by 1620s (specifically as wood-screw by 1841). The meaning "a twist or turn to one side" is by 1709.ETD screw (n.).5

The sense of "means of pressure or coercion" is from 1640s, often the screws, probably in reference to instruments of torture (as in thumbscrews). Meaning "prison guard, warder" is by 1812 in underworld slang, originally in reference to the key they carried (screw as slang for "key" is attested by 1795). In student slang, "professor or tutor who requires students to work hard" (1851).ETD screw (n.).6

The meaning "metal instrument with a winding or spiral shape or motion, used to draw corks from bottles" is by 1650s. As short for screw-propeller, by 1838. The sense of "small portion (of a commodity) wrapped up in a twist of paper" is by 1836. The British slang sense of "salary, wages: is by 1858, but the notion in it is obscure. The slang meaning "an act of copulation" is recorded from 1929 (canting sense of "a prostitute" is attested from 1725). Slang phrase have a screw loose "have a dangerous (usually mental) weakness" is recorded from 1810.ETD screw (n.).7

screw (v.)

1590s, transitive, "twist (something) like a screw, turn or cause to turn by the sort of pressure that advances a screw," " from screw (n.). From 1610s as "to attach or tighten with a screw."ETD screw (v.).2

The meaning "defraud, cheat" is from 1900; earlier it was "press hard upon, oppress" (1620s). Related: Screwed; screwing.ETD screw (v.).3

The slang meaning "to copulate" dates from at least 1725, originally usually of the action of the male, on the notion of driving a screw into something; screw is recorded by 1949 in exclamations as a euphemism. To screw up "to blunder" is recorded from 1942, earlier it was "to raise (rent or payment) exorbitantly" (1630s). The U.S. slang noun screw-up "a blunder, a mess" is by 1960, from the verbal phrase. Expression to have (one's) head screwed on the right (or wrong) way is from 1821. Screw your courage to the sticking place is Lady Macbeth.ETD screw (v.).4

screwed (adj.)

1640s, "strained or forced to the highest pitch" (a sense now obsolete;" past-participle adjective from screw (v.) By 1690s, of the face, eyes, etc., "twisted, contracted;" by 1770 as "attached or fastened with screws;" slang sense of "drunk, intoxicated" is by 1833. The verbal phrase screwed up earlier meant "tuned to a high or precise pitch" (1907), a figurative image from the pegs of stringed instruments; the meaning "confused, muddled" is attested by 1943.ETD screwed (adj.).2

screwable (adj.)

"that may be screwed," in any sense, 1845, from screw (v.) + -able. Related: Screwability.ETD screwable (adj.).2

screwball (n.)

"eccentric person," 1933, U.S. slang, earlier as a type of erratic baseball pitch (1928), from a still earlier name for a type of twist imparted to the ball in cricket (1840) and a twisting shot in billiards (1849); from screw (n.) + ball (n.1). Screwball comedy is attested by 1937, in reference to the work of Carole Lombard.ETD screwball (n.).2

screwdriver (n.)

also screw-driver, "tool like a blunt chisel which fits into the nick in the head of a screw and is used to turn it," 1779, from screw (n.) + driver. Meaning "cocktail made from vodka and orange juice" is recorded from 1956. (Screwed/screwy have had a sense of "drunk" since 19c.; compare slang tight "intoxicated," or perhaps the notion is "twisted").ETD screwdriver (n.).2

screwy (adj.)

1820, "tipsy, slightly drunk," from screw (n.) + -y (2.). Sense of "crazy, ridiculous" is recorded by 1887. The more literal sense of "tortuous, like the thread or motion of a screw" is by 1891. Related: Screwily; screwiness.ETD screwy (adj.).2

scribal (adj.)

1857, "of or pertaining to a scribe or penman;" 1863, "of or pertaining to doctors of Jewish law;" from scribe (n.) + -al (1).ETD scribal (adj.).2

scribble (v.)

mid-15c., scriblen, "to write (something) quickly and carelessly, without regard to correctness or elegance," from Medieval Latin scribillare, diminutive of Latin scribere "to write" (from PIE root *skribh- "to cut"). Or perhaps a native formation from Middle English scriben "to write" (see scribe (v.)) + diminutive suffix -el (3). Classical Latin had conscribillare. The sense of "make unintelligible tangled lines on paper out of idleness or for amusement" is modern. Related: Scribbled; scribbling.ETD scribble (v.).2

The noun, "hurried or careless writing," is 1570s, from the verb. The 19c. writers enjoyed the sound of scribble, based on their many elaborations of it in describing one another: scribblage, scribblative, scribblatory, scribbleable, scribbledom, but the 17c., beat them to two of the best: scribblement and scribble-wit.ETD scribble (v.).3

scribbler (n.)

"petty author; one who writes carelessly or badly," 1550s, agent noun from scribble (v.).ETD scribbler (n.).2

scribe (n.)

late 12c., "professional interpreter of the Jewish Law" (late 11c. as a surname), from Church Latin scriba "teacher of Jewish law," used in Vulgate to render Greek grammateus (corresponding to Hebrew sopher "writer, scholar"). It is a special use of Latin scriba "keeper of accounts, secretary, writer," an agent noun from the past-participle stem of scribere "to write" (from PIE root *skribh- "to cut").ETD scribe (n.).2

The sense "one who writes, official or public writer" in English is from late 14c. That of "copyist, transcriber of manuscripts" is from 1530s. Used loosely for "an author, one fond of writing" by 1580s.ETD scribe (n.).3

scribe (v.)

mid-15c., scriben, "to write," from Latin scribere "to write" (from PIE root *skribh- "to cut"). The carpentry sense "mark or score with (an outline)" is from 1670s, of uncertain origin, perhaps a shortening of describe. Related: Scribed; scriber; scribing.ETD scribe (v.).2

scrim (n.)

1792, "thin, strong cloth used as upholstery lining," a word of unknown origin. Later, in theater and cinema, applied to gauze cloth used to screen or soften light (1928).ETD scrim (n.).2

scrimmage (v.)

1825, "to quarrel, to argue," from scrimmage (n.). Team sports sense is from 1881. Related: Scrimmaged; scrimmaging.ETD scrimmage (v.).2

scrimmage (n.)

late 15c., "a battle," a sense now obsolete, an alteration of skirmish (n.). Sometimes also scrummage, scrimish (16c.). By 1780 as "a confused contest, a tussle;" the meaning in rugby and U.S. football dates from 1857, originally "a confused, close struggle around the ball between players." The sense of "a practice session in which offensive and defensive squads square off" is by 1916.ETD scrimmage (n.).2

scrimp (v.)

1774, "to make too small, to pinch or scant," originally in English an adjective, "scant, meager" (1718), possibly from a Scandinavian source (compare Swedish skrumpna "to shrink, shrivel up," Danish skrumpen "shrunken, shriveled," Norwegian dialectal skramp "thin man"), or from a continental Germanic source akin to Middle High German schrimpfen, German schrumpfen "to shrivel" (from Proto-Germanic *skrimp-, from PIE root *(s)kerb- "to turn, bend").ETD scrimp (v.).2

The meaning "economize" is by 1848. Related: Scrimped; scrimping.ETD scrimp (v.).3

scrimpy (adj.)

"scanty, deficient, contracted," 1855, from scrimp (v.) + -y (2). Related: Scrimpily; scrimpiness.ETD scrimpy (adj.).2