scanger
English
Alternative forms
Etymology
According to A Dictionary of Hiberno-English[1]:
- "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."[2]
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)
- (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
References
- ^ A Dictionary of Hiberno-English by Terence Dolan, Gill & Macmillan, →ISBN
- ^ Pyjama Party The Irish Times, 2006-11-11.