scalped

word · lemma: scalp

Definition

'Scalped' can mean having had the scalp (the skin on the top of the head) removed, usually violently, or selling things (like tickets) unofficially for a higher price, often called ticket scalping.

Usage & Nuances

The violent sense is historical and rare in modern contexts—seen mostly in history or fiction. The ticket-resale meaning is informal and common in American English ('scalped tickets'). Do not use literally when talking about selling normal things; it usually refers specifically to unofficial ticket reselling.

Example Sentences

The movie tickets were scalped outside the theater.

basic

He was scalped in the old western story.

basic

All the concert tickets were scalped quickly.

basic

I couldn’t get in because all the seats had been scalped.

natural

She heard a story about a cowboy who was scalped by bandits.

natural

We saw people scalped tickets for double the price at the stadium.

natural