Quick answer
Scapegrace means a person who behaves badly, especially a reckless or wayward rogue. It is usually pronounced , and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Scapegrace
Scapegrace means a person who behaves badly, especially a reckless or wayward rogue. It belongs to silly insults and character types and works best in character sketches, teasing dialogue, and affectionate old-school put-downs. It is still understandable today, but it usually sounds more vivid and deliberate than ordinary modern vocabulary.
At a glance
insultcharacter-typemocking
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, scapegrace refers to a person who behaves badly, especially a reckless or wayward rogue. It is most useful when a plain label would tell the truth but miss the tone, flavor, or comic edge.
Why this word feels absurd
Scapegrace feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Scapegrace is generally traced to origin uncertain. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Scapegrace is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
Example sentences
- The column dismissed the whole rumor as scapegrace.
- In the novel, one scapegrace is enough to derail the dinner party.
- She used scapegrace in the essay because the plain modern word felt too bland.
- The teacher paused to explain scapegrace before asking the class to use it in context.
- They kept repeating scapegrace because the sound of it was almost as memorable as the meaning.
When should you use this word?
Use scapegrace when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in character sketches, teasing dialogue, and affectionate old-school put-downs.
Similar words
agitator, backbiter, berk, bickerer, blaggard
Opposite or contrasting words
gentleman, decent person, model of manners
Common questions
- What does scapegrace mean? a person who behaves badly, especially a reckless or wayward rogue.
- How do you pronounce scapegrace? It is commonly pronounced .
- Is scapegrace still used today? Scapegrace is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
- When should you use scapegrace? Use scapegrace when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in character sketches, teasing dialogue, and affectionate old-school put-downs.
- What words are similar to scapegrace? Similar words include agitator, backbiter, berk, and bickerer.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.