scanger

English

Alternative forms

• skanger

Etymology

According to A Dictionary of Hiberno-English:

"Much of the influence comes from London where the origins of the word 'skanger' can be found. I'm pretty certain this is a collapsed form of the word "scavenger" from a West Indian word used by the Caribbean community in London."

Dolan's dictionary gives the West Indian slang word "skanker", meaning an untrustworthy or unreliable person, as a possible source of the word.

Originally, in 1980s Dublin, it referred only to women but has become broadened to men in recent years.

Noun

scanger (plural scangers)

1. (Dublin, Ireland, derogatory) A person who is associated with petty criminality and who is seen as strongly identified with brand names in music, clothing, sport, vehicles, and so forth.

Alternative forms

• skanger

Synonyms

• chav
• charva
• charver
• skobie, scobe
• gurrier
• ned (in Scotland)
• scag, skag
• skeet
• shams
• spide (in Northern Ireland)
• waa
• zook

Anagrams

• Cregans, gracens