nasty scar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nasty scar" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a scar that is particularly unpleasant in appearance or has a negative connotation. Example: "After the accident, he was left with a nasty scar on his arm that served as a reminder of the incident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

He was five feet tall and wiry and had a nasty scar on his brow.

The New Yorker

"She had a nasty scar on her body, and it's as if he's giving her fresh flesh".

The New York Times - Arts

"I have a big nasty scar that goes from the side of my belly all the way down to below my bikini line".

The New York Times

He has close-cropped hair, a nasty scar under his eye, a very growly voice, and marches and grumps about the place in the manner of Darth Vader without the helmet.

The Guardian

He had spent parts of two disappointing seasons with them in 1993 and 1994 before eventually becoming a star with the Milwaukee Brewers, and those dreary memories stuck with him like a nasty scar.

The New York Times - Sports

One of the girls, the short one with the nasty scar on her arm, grew bolder, attempting to snatch the cover off the baby's head and laughing and running away when Ogechi reacted.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Luckily, that fleeting brush with fame has left no nasty scars.

The New York Times - Travel

At parties, he wowed people with descriptions of boils and rashes and growths, strange hair patterns, nasty scars, pus-filled cysts, bizarre freckles, cancers, moles.

The New Yorker

The patient is left with a smaller stomach that feels full after a small meal, the company says, but no nasty scars.

Forbes

A piercing being constantly hidden will never, ever, heal correctly, and you'll be left with nasty scars that never go away.

WikiHow

He was an odd, aloof character, with a peg leg, an iron jaw, and a nasty shaving scar on his cheek.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For medical or descriptive contexts, be specific about the scar's location, size, and any associated symptoms, such as discoloration or texture. This specificity provides more accurate information.

Common error

Avoid using "nasty scar" as a lazy shorthand for character backstory. Ensure it contributes meaningfully to the narrative or description, rather than being a superficial detail. Consider exploring the scar's origin or its impact on the character's life.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nasty scar" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, where "nasty" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "scar". As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

13%

Science

37%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nasty scar" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a particularly unpleasant or disfiguring scar. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. While it is most commonly found in News & Media contexts, it can also appear in Wiki and scientific writing. While generally neutral, it's best to avoid it in formal contexts in favor of a more objective description. Related phrases include "unsightly scar" and "disfiguring scar". When writing, avoid overusing the phrase and ensure that the scar serves a purpose in the description or narrative. As shown from Ludwig's examples, the use of "nasty scar" often aims to evoke a sense of negativity and trauma associated with the mark.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsightly scar

Replaces "nasty" with a synonym that emphasizes the unpleasant appearance of the scar.

disfiguring scar

Emphasizes the impact of the scar on appearance.

prominent scar

Focuses on the scar's visibility and noticeable nature.

severe scar

Highlights the intensity and degree of the scarring.

large scar

Focuses on the size of the scar.

noticeable scar

Emphasizes the scar's visibility.

unattractive scar

Uses a more general term for unpleasant appearance.

ghastly scar

Implies a more horrifying or shocking appearance.

repulsive scar

Conveys a strong sense of disgust.

unsavory scar

Suggests an unpleasant or distasteful quality.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "nasty scar" in a sentence?

The phrase "nasty scar" is used to describe a scar that is particularly unpleasant or disfiguring. For example, "He had a "nasty scar" running down his cheek from an old fight."

What are some alternatives to saying "nasty scar"?

You can use alternatives such as "unsightly scar", "disfiguring scar", or "prominent scar" to describe a scar that is visually unappealing.

Is it appropriate to use "nasty scar" in formal writing?

While "nasty scar" is generally acceptable, consider the tone and audience. In formal writing, a more clinical or descriptive term like "severe scar" or a detailed description of the scar's characteristics might be more appropriate.

What does the phrase "nasty scar" imply?

The phrase "nasty scar" implies that the scar is not only visually unappealing but may also carry negative connotations, such as pain, trauma, or a difficult past. It suggests the scar is more than just a physical mark.