Scally Meaning and Definition
Scally
Pronunciation
/ˈskəli/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A slang term for a clever or resourceful person, often used in British English.
Examples
- He’s such a scally, he always finds a way to fix things.
- The scally in the group managed to talk his way out of trouble.
Synonyms
- Cunning
- Resourceful
Antonyms
- Clumsy
- Unskilled
Etymology
The word “Scally” is believed to have originated in the 17th century in England, where it was used to describe a clever or resourceful person.
Usage Notes
The word “Scally” is often used in informal settings and may be considered informal or colloquial in some contexts.
Cultural References
The word “Scally” has been featured in several British TV shows and films, including “Only Fools and Horses” and “Snatch.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“To be a scally” means to be clever or resourceful, while “Scallywag” is an idiomatic expression meaning a mischievous or troublesome person.
Related Words or Phrases
Cunning, resourceful, clever, bright
Collocations
Scally and clever, scally and resourceful, scally and bright
Frequency of Use
The word “Scally” is relatively rare in modern language, but it is still used in certain contexts and regions.
Common Misspellings
Scalerly, Scalley, Scalier