scrub etymology

Etymology

The word "scrub" has multiple origins:

• Middle English: "scrobbe", meaning thicket or undergrowth
• Old French: "escroffe" or "escroche", meaning to scrape or scratch
• Germanic: "schrubben", meaning to rub hard

Meaning

• Noun:
  • A rough, low-growing vegetation, especially found in dry or desolate areas.
  • An area covered with such vegetation.
• Verb:
  • To clean or brush vigorously, especially with a coarse material.
  • To remove something by scratching or rubbing.
  • To defeat or humiliate someone.

Origin

The term "scrub" in the sense of a thicket or undergrowth originated in Middle English in the 14th century. It was derived from the Old French word "escroffe", meaning a thicket or scrubland.

The sense of "scrubbing" as a cleaning action originated in the 17th century, from the German word "schrubben". The French word "escroche" also had the meaning of "to scratch" or "to scrape", further contributing to the concept of scrubbing.

The derogatory sense of "scrub" as a person or thing that is worthless or inferior emerged in the mid-19th century. It is likely derived from the sense of "scrubbing" as a vigorous cleaning, implying that the person or thing is in need of cleaning or improvement.

scrub relate terms

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