Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun pejorative A rascal.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun a deceitful and unreliable scoundrel
  • noun one who is playfully mischievous
  • noun a white Southerner who supported Reconstruction policies after the American Civil War (usually for self-interest)

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

Of Irish origin, "scalawag" refers to a "rascal" and is probably from sgalog "a labourer".

Support

Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word scallywag.

Examples

  • Diouf, you see, is a slightly temperamental chap who has been known to spit at the odd football supporter and scallywag ballboy when he is placed in a state of fear and alarm.

    Think Diouf is vile? Listen to the fans | Kevin McKenna 2011

  • I only still live of all that brave, mad, scallywag ship's company ...

    CHAPTER IX 2010

  • That was the big challenge in this book, and it was also my big concern in turning it over to people who make movies because it would be quite easy for Hollywood to turn him into a lovable scallywag and then the reality that I worked hard to get into the book is being eroded.

    Unorthodox Attorney Defends Hero Who May Be a Villian in 'The Lincoln Lawyer' 2011

  • "More than just an epic and intricately plotted fantasy, Aria is an examination of the politics of slavery through one man's journey from ne'er-do-well scallywag to leader of the free world."

    Archive 2009-12-01 Ulysses 2009

  • That was the big challenge in this book, and it was also my big concern in turning it over to people who make movies because it would be quite easy for Hollywood to turn him into a lovable scallywag and then the reality that I worked hard to get into the book is being eroded.

    Unorthodox Attorney Defends Hero Who May Be a Villian in 'The Lincoln Lawyer' 2011

  • This week they discovered the thief's identity and were stunned to find it was an inside job – the light-fingered scallywag lives on the course.

    Luck runs out for Kansas Jayhawks fan's talismanic T-shirt and shorts 2011

  • Beyond making the pirate tale “cooler and sexier”, the reboot would reportedly turn Treasure Island into a mostly two-man story – that of sinister scallywag Long John Silver and young protagonist Jim Hawkins – in hopes of attracting big names to the starring roles.

    The Success of SHERLOCK HOLMES Ensures Audiences Will Take Another Trip to TREASURE ISLAND – Collider.com 2010

  • Ultimately any potential investors considering PETE SUMARUCK as a possible recipient of their hard-earned funds will be forced to rethink any notions of trusting such a scurrilous back-alley scallywag, slanderous liar, and unprincipled con-artist with any investments of any sort!

    Peter Sumaruck II 2010

  • Just WilliamThe BBC radio series of Richmal Crompton's stories about the home counties scallywag didn't need a cast, just Martin Jarvis reading the stories aloud, capturing the us versus the world outlook of the Outlaws.

    How children's books escape the page 2011

  • "More than just an epic and intricately plotted fantasy, Aria is an examination of the politics of slavery through one man's journey from ne'er-do-well scallywag to leader of the free world."

    The Gentle Hand of Correction Ulysses 2009

Comments

Log in or sign up to get involved in the conversation. It's quick and easy.