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, 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