mangy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mangy" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is shabby, worn out, or in poor condition, often referring to animals with unkempt fur. Example: "The old dog looked mangy, with patches of fur missing and a sad expression."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

France's sacred cow of "harmonisation," the demand that the countries' social burdens and taxation systems be totally aligned, has become a very thin and mangy beast.

The Economist

IN KINSHASA, the vast and sprawling capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the disabled have enjoyed just two state-sponsored perks: half-price passage on the ferry across the Congo river to Brazzaville, capital of the smaller (and arguably even less democratic) Republic of Congo; and free entry to the city's derelict zoo, which houses a handful of mangy animals.

The Economist

He was disarmed by the scenery (the countryside outside Guangzhou was a "marvellous field-garden") and disgusted by the squalor (the inhabitants of one town were "scrofulous, sore-eyed, and mangy").

The Economist

His Penn Station was demolished in 1963 to make way for "a mangy low-ceilinged affair little better than a bus depot".

The Economist

As the vaunted "Polish tiger" comes to look ever more like a mangy domestic cat, foreign investment has tailed off.

The Economist

The ruins of an autarkic Chinese-inspired experiment in communism can be seen from every spine-tingling hairpin bend: disused mines, disused factories, disused political prison camps, mangy beasts of burden.

The Economist

The novel which relates the story of 10-year-old Opal, a girl made lonely by the loss of her mother and her arrival in a new town, and the mangy dog she finds in a supermarket was praised for its gentle humour, the clarity of its writing, and the endearing nature of its young protagonist.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was Bobbie; mangy and thin as a whippet, but definitely him.

Independent

With the exception of a mangy stray dog, which wanders freely between the two posts, nobody is allowed to cross the border.

Independent

Having dyed my hair a shade somewhere between deep aubergine and mangy fox for my entire adult life, I can't tell you whether blondes have more fun.

Independent

A middle-aged widow returns to the Turkish seaside town where she and her husband honeymooned twenty-eight years before, only to find the place gone to seed, haunted by sunburned Germans and mangy cats.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing animals, use "mangy" to vividly convey a sense of neglect and poor health, adding a layer of emotional impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "mangy" to describe people unless you're aiming for a very specific, harsh effect. It's generally better to use words like "shabby" or "unkempt" when referring to a person's appearance.

Linguistic Context

The word "mangy" functions primarily as an adjective. As Ludwig AI explains, it is used to describe something afflicted with mange or in a generally poor, squalid condition. It modifies nouns, providing descriptive detail.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mangy" is an adjective used to describe something in poor condition, often associated with animals suffering from mange or generally appearing neglected. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. While found in various contexts, it's most prevalent in news and media. It's crucial to use "mangy" judiciously, especially when describing people, to avoid unintended negative connotations. Alternatives like "shabby" or "unkempt" may be more appropriate in certain cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scruffy

Implies untidiness and shabbiness, often used for animals or appearances.

shabby

Describes something worn or run-down due to age or use.

decrepit

Suggests a state of dilapidation and feebleness, often due to old age.

dilapidated

Describes a state of disrepair or ruin, especially for buildings.

bedraggled

Implies being wet, dirty, and disheveled, often used for appearance.

unkept

Indicates a lack of care or maintenance, leading to a poor condition.

scrofulous

Describes a morally degenerate or corrupt state.

in poor condition

A more general phrase to describe something that is not in good shape.

in a state of disrepair

Indicates that something is damaged or broken and needs repair.

run-down

Suggests a state of neglect and decay, often used for places or things.

FAQs

How can I use "mangy" in a sentence?

You can use "mangy" to describe something that is in poor condition or afflicted with mange. For example, "The "mangy dog" wandered the streets looking for food".

What's the difference between "mangy" and "shabby"?

"Mangy" implies a specific type of poor condition related to mange or a general sense of being unkempt and neglected, often associated with animals. "Shabby" refers more broadly to something worn or in poor condition.

What are some synonyms for "mangy"?

Some synonyms for "mangy" include "scruffy", "shabby", "decrepit", and "bedraggled".

Is it appropriate to describe a person as "mangy"?

While technically correct, using "mangy" to describe a person can be harsh and unflattering. It's generally better to use alternatives like "unkempt" or "shabby".