What does scapegrace mean?
A scapegrace is a mischievous, unruly, or disreputable person, especially a young person who causes trouble or avoids responsibility. The word carries a mixture of disapproval and affection: calling someone a scapegrace may suggest that they are unreliable or naughty, but it can also present them as an amusing or charismatic rogue. It is especially common in British English and has a literary, mildly old-fashioned tone, so it is less typical of formal contemporary writing than terms such as “delinquent” or “ne'er-do-well.” In fiction, a scapegrace often appears as a lively, unconventional figure whose behaviour creates comic complications. In everyday conversation, the term may be used loosely for an energetic child or an adult with a reputation for escapades. Although the expression sounds severe, it is frequently softened by humour, affection, or phrases such as “charming” and “little.”
nounA disreputable or mischievous person; a rogue or scoundrel. The term is often used humorously or affectionately for someone regarded as troublesome or badly behaved.
- A mischievous, unruly, or disreputable person; a scoundrel or ne'er-do-well.
"The neighbourhood scapegrace was always causing trouble, but nobody could remain angry with him for long."
"His younger brother was a scapegrace who preferred games to homework."
"The critic dismissed the young politician as a scapegrace rather than taking his promises seriously."
Used when referring to more than one person of this kind.
"The two scapegraces spent the afternoon exploring the abandoned warehouse."
A scapegrace may be troublesome, but the word often adds a playful charm to a familiar kind of rogue.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does scapegrace come from?
The word dates from the early nineteenth century and is generally understood as a playful formation from “scape,” an older spelling of “escape,” together with “grace.” Its development reflects the older sense of a person who has escaped proper authority or social restraint. The element “grace” is used ironically, suggesting a person without the decorum or goodness associated with graceful behaviour. Modern usage preserves both the word's comic tone and its association with unruly or unreliable conduct.
Related word forms
How scapegrace is actually used
The word is somewhat old-fashioned and is now used more often in humorous, literary, or mildly affectionate contexts than in formal criticism. It can sound severe when applied sincerely to someone.
Easily confused with scapegrace
Scape is chiefly an archaic verb meaning to escape, whereas a scapegrace is a person who is unruly or disreputable.