Scalawag

usgb/ˈskæləwæɡ/
noun

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

Despite his annoying pranks, his classmates couldn't help but laugh at the scalawag.
Visual representation of "scalawag" - A person who behaves badly but in an amusingly mischievous rather than harmful way.

Often appears as...

  • little scalawag
  • such a scalawag

Usage tips

Disapproving

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "scalawag"
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Colloquial Usage

Used in casual conversations rather than formal speech or writing.

Illustration for Colloquial Usage
When he hid my phone, I called him a scalawag.
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Playful Connotation

Implies playful misbehavior, not serious wrongdoing.

Illustration for Playful Connotation
That scalawag always has a twinkle in his eye.
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Endearing Term

Often used affectionately for someone who is mischievous.

Illustration for Endearing Term
Come here, you little scalawag!
Visual representation of the word "Scalawag"

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