scrappy

scrap +‎ -y

• IPA^(key): /ˈskɹæpi/

  • Audio (Southern England)

    (file)

• Rhymes: -æpi

scrappy (comparative scrappier, superlative scrappiest)

1. Consisting of scraps; fragmentary; lacking unity or consistency.

   That was a scrappy lecture.

2. (informal) Having an aggressive spirit; inclined to fight or strive.

   He's a scrappy dog and will charge at you if you taunt him.

   • 2012, Mark Rice-Oxley, Underneath the Lemon Tree:

     In those days PGS [Portsmouth Grammar School] was full of sadistic staff and scrappy boys called things like Smudger, Muzz and Titch.

   • 2013 August 10, Lexington, “Keeping the mighty honest”, in The Economist, volume 408, number 8848:

     The [Washington] Post's proprietor through those turbulent [Watergate] days, Katharine Graham, held a double place in Washington’s hierarchy: at once regal Georgetown hostess and scrappy newshound, ready to hold the establishment to account.

3. (informal) (Of a fight) characterised by lots of ungainly or wild punches, grabs, wrestling, etc.
4. (informal) (Of a sports match) characterised by awkward or clumsy play.

• (fragmentary): disconnected
• (aggressive): feisty; pugnacious