scruff
首筋
解説 Definition
首の後ろ側、特に襟の部分の皮膚。動物を持ち上げたり支配したりする際に掴まれることが多い部分。
The scruff is the back part of the neck, especially the loose skin there. It is often used when talking about animals, or about holding someone by that part of the neck. In informal English, it can also suggest a rough or untidy look, but the basic meaning is the neck area.
覚え方のコツ Memory Tip
scruff は scruffy（毛がもじゃついた・だらしない）と一緒に覚えると残りやすい語です。語感ごと「毛が少し乱れていて、つまめる部分」を思い浮かべると、首全体ではなく首の後ろ側の皮膚だと定着します。典型表現は by the scruff of the neck で、猫や子犬をそこをつまんで持つ場面、乱暴に相手を取り押さえる場面でよく出ます。nape は人のうなじ寄りですが、scruff はもっと動物的で、つかめる感じが強い点が記憶のフックです。
Learn it with `scruffy`, which gives a rough, hairy image. `Scruff` is the loose skin or hair at the back of the neck, especially in animals. The fixed phrase `by the scruff of the neck` is a strong memory hook.
例文
The kitten was picked up by the scruff of its neck.
その子猫は首筋でつかまれて持ち上げられた。
He grabbed the troublemaker by the scruff and threw him out.
彼は問題児を首筋でつかんで外に投げ出した。
The dog was held firmly by the scruff during the examination.
その犬は検査の間、首筋で確実に抑えられていた。
scruff の類義語・関連語
類義語
scruff の語源・成り立ち Etymology
scruff は英語方言の scruff / scuff にさかのぼる語で、語源は不詳ながら「毛がもじゃついた部分」「こすれて荒れた所」の感覚から出たと考えられます。首の後ろのつまめる毛深い部分を指すようになり、意味が納得しやすい語です。関連語に scuff, scruffy があります。
Scruff comes from an old English dialect word, probably related to scruff or scuff, though its deeper origin is uncertain. It seems to have begun with the idea of something rough, worn, or covered with tangled hair. From there it came to mean the hairy back of the neck, especially the part you can grab. Related words include scuff and scruffy.
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