Scrap (noun / verb / UK slang)
(Also heard as: Scrapping, Proper scrap, Having a scrap)
Definition:
-
A messy fight or punch-up.
-
Getting stuck into a brawl.
-
Binning off a plan or throwing something in the bin.
Pronunciation: /skræp/
Where It Comes From: Old Victorian back-street prize fighting. A rough-and-ready dust-up in an alley was nothing like a clean boxing match with rules, so people called it a “scrap” because it was raw, messy, and chaotic.
How People Actually Use It: It’s what you shout when things kick off outside the takeaway at 2 AM or when a five-a-side match gets way out of hand. You also use it when you just can’t be bothered with plans and decide to sack them off.
Examples in the Wild:
-
“Two blokes had a proper scrap outside the chippy last night.”
Translation: “Two guys ended up having a full-on fistfight in the street.”
-
“He’s always looking for a scrap after three pints.”
Translation: “He turns into an aggressive pain in the neck whenever he drinks.”
-
“Weather’s miserable—let’s scrap town and get a pizza in.”
Translation: “The weather is awful, so let’s cancel going out.”
Similar Slang: Punch-up, Ruck, Dust-up, Brawl, Bin it, Sack off, Handbags
Contribute To This Page