Scruff Meaning in English
word
Definition
The scruff is the back part of the neck, especially the loose skin on the neck of some animals, like cats or dogs, that you can use to lift or hold them.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in the phrase 'by the scruff of the neck'. Usually informal and more common when talking about animals, rarely used for people except metaphorically for control. Not to be confused with 'scruffy' (messy-looking).
Example Sentences
The mother cat carried her kitten by the scruff.
basic
He grabbed the dog by the scruff to stop it from running away.
basic
She gently lifted the puppy by the scruff.
basic
The teacher joked about taking the troublemaker by the scruff and sending him out.
natural
You can tell a cat feels safe when it's held by the scruff just like its mother did.
natural
He looked like he needed someone to grab him by the scruff and set him straight.
natural