tatterdemalion
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌtætərdɪˈmeɪljən/
KK: /ˌtætərdɪˈmeɪliən/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that is ragged or torn, often referring to clothing or appearance that is shabby or in poor condition.
Example
The tatterdemalion clothes he wore made him look like a character from a storybook.
Conversation
Did you see that guy in the park today?
Yeah, he looked pretty tatterdemalion with those ripped clothes.
I know, right? It was hard to tell if he was just having a rough day.
Or if that's just his usual style — some people really pull it off!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
ragged
tattered
shabby
Antonyms
neat
trim
orderly
noun
Definition
A person who wears old, torn, or ragged clothes, often looking messy or unkempt.
Example
The tatterdemalion wandered the streets, his clothes hanging in shreds.
Conversation
Did you see that guy at the park yesterday?
Yeah, he looked like a real tatterdemalion with those ripped clothes.
I wonder what his story is; he seemed kind of interesting.
Root Explanation
Tatterdemalion is derived from the word "tatter" (from Middle English *tateren*, meaning to tear or rip) and "demalion" (which is believed to be a variation of the word "demon" or possibly from the French *demalion*, meaning a ragged or tattered person). The term describes a person who is ragged or in disarray, often associated with a shabby appearance.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone who is 'torn' ('tatter') and looks like a 'ragged' person ('demalion') — that's why tatterdemalion refers to someone in a disheveled state.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.