Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

scalawag

noun

/ˈskæl.ə.wæɡ/

Definition

A scalawag is a person who behaves badly but in an amusingly mischievous rather than harmful way.

Examples

Despite his occasional pranks, the kids all adored the local scalawag who always had a joke ready.
The old tales of the scalawags from the frontier brought smiles and laughter to everyone around the campfire.

Meaning

Scalawag originally referred to a rascal or a rogue, often used in a light-hearted context. It can also denote someone who is dishonest or disreputable.