scruff

Everyday

1. The scruff (of the neck) is the loose skin at the back of an animal's neck; mother cats carry kittens by it. tree →
2. A scruff is an untidy, dirty-looking person (informal, UK). tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and science, mother cats and dogs carry their babies by the scruff; «by the scruff of the neck» means grabbing someone roughly by the back of the collar. In stories, a scruff is a messy child. Phrases: «by the scruff of the neck», «a little scruff».

Examples

• The mother cat carried her kitten by the scruff. tree →
• He grabbed the puppy by the scruff to stop it running into the road. tree →
• The teacher took the bully by the scruff of the neck. tree →
• Go and wash — you look like a scruff! tree →
• Don't pick up an adult cat by the scruff; it can hurt. tree →
• The lioness lifted her cub gently by the scruff. tree →
• Tom done nothing but take the fellow by the scruff o' the neck and the waistband of his corduroys, and fling him into the canal. tree →

Note

Usually in the phrase «by the scruff of the neck». Adjective: «scruffy» = untidy, messy. Calling someone «a scruff» is informal and a bit rude.