scrappy

The word 'scrappy' is a fascinating example of semantic divergence from a single root. It originates from the Old Norse 'skrap', meaning scraps or trifles, which entered English as 'scrap' referring to a small leftover piece. The modern adjective 'scrappy' first described something composed of such fragments. Its more common meaning today, describing a tenacious, fighting spirit, emerged in the late 19th century. This evolution is believed to be a metaphorical extension from the noun 'scrap' in its sense of a minor fight or quarrel, itself possibly derived from the image of dogs fighting over a scrap of food. Thus, 'scrappy' logically connects the idea of being made of disparate parts to the pugnacious determination of one engaged in a continual struggle.

Structure: scrap (fragment/fight) + py (adjective-forming suffix) - scrap: From Middle English 'scrappe', meaning a small piece or fragment. Its sense of "fight" or "quarrel" (first recorded 1874) likely evolved from the idea of a "scrap of food" fought over by dogs. - py: A variant of the suffix '-y', from Old English '-ig', used to form adjectives meaning "characterized by" or "full of".