Definition

Having a shabby or worn appearance, often due to neglect or poor condition; can also refer to something that is mean or contemptible.

Example

The dog looked mangy, with patches of fur missing and dirt all over its body.

Conversation

Have you seen that dog wandering around the neighborhood?

Yeah, it looks really mangy and in bad shape.

I feel sorry for it; I wish someone would help.

Same here — it deserves a better home.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Mangy → The word originates from the Old French *mangier*, meaning to eat, and is related to the Latin *mangiare*, meaning to eat. The term 'mangy' originally referred to animals that were in poor condition, often due to malnutrition or neglect, leading to a scruffy or unhealthy appearance.

Memory Tip

Think of the connection to 'eating' — when an animal is 'mangy', it often looks unhealthy because it hasn't been properly fed.

Visually Confused Words