the scab

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the scab" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing labor disputes, medical conditions, or metaphorically to describe someone who undermines a group. Example: "The workers were frustrated with the scab who crossed the picket line during the strike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All you're doing is scratching the scab".

The New York Times

Catterson, the scab in question, did not move or speak.

The New Yorker

The scab should be discarded in the same way.

The New York Times

And they're ripping the scab off an almost healed wound.

The New Yorker

"The scab is the body's way of putting a protector on top of a wound.

The New York Times

Her death had picked the scab from the wounds inflicted then – and they were still raw.

The Guardian

"Before you pick the scab, you have to let it heal".

The New Yorker

During the first 24 hours the scab shrinks, drawing the edges of the wound closer together.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the single currency remains the scab at which the Tories keep on picking.

The Economist

The DNA extracted from the scab material was used as a template for evaluation of the established assay.

AMB Express

After 6 to 8 days, the scab wound surface had been shed, and tumor regrowth was observed.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the scab" metaphorically (e.g., in labor disputes), ensure the context clearly indicates the intended meaning to avoid confusion with the literal medical sense. Using related terms can help provide more clarity to readers.

Common error

Avoid using "the scab" in sensitive contexts where its negative connotations (e.g., strikebreaker) might cause unintended offense or miscommunication. Always consider your audience and the potential impact of your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the scab" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct. Its usage ranges from literal references to a wound covering to metaphorical allusions to betrayal or reopened emotional wounds, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase "the scab" is grammatically sound and prevalent across varied contexts. Primarily a noun phrase, it denotes the crust forming over a wound or, metaphorically, a strikebreaker or something that reignites old pains. Its register shifts based on the source, ranging from scientific neutrality to news-oriented objectivity, to more informal uses in wikis and general discourse. With a high expert rating and frequent usage in news, media, science and wikis, understanding both its literal and metaphorical applications is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the crust

Replaces "scab" with a more general term for a hardened outer layer, implying a similar protective but temporary covering.

the incrustation

Offers a more formal and clinical synonym for "scab", suitable for scientific or medical contexts.

the wound covering

Focuses on the function of the scab as a protective layer over an injury, rather than the scab itself.

the hardened blood

Specifies the material composition of the scab, highlighting its origin in blood clotting.

the dried serum

Emphasizes the biological aspect of scab formation, pointing to the role of serum in the healing process.

the lesion's crust

Connects the scab to an underlying lesion, providing context for its formation.

the strikebreaker

Uses a figurative meaning of "scab" relating to labor disputes, highlighting betrayal.

the replacement worker

Synonymous to the strikebreaker/scab metaphor for replacement worker during a strike.

the betrayal

Emphasizes the act of betrayal associated with the "scab" label in labor contexts.

the turncoat

Highlights disloyalty and betrayal, synonymous with "scab" in certain contexts.

FAQs

How can "the scab" be used metaphorically?

Figuratively, "the scab" often refers to a strikebreaker or someone who undermines a labor union. It can also describe something that reopens old wounds or causes pain to resurface. Use caution when using this expression due to its negative connotations.

What are some alternatives to using "the scab"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "the traitor", "the strikebreaker", or "the replacement worker" when referring to someone who crosses a picket line. In a medical context, synonyms include "crust" or "incrustation".

Is it correct to say "scratch the scab"?

Yes, the phrase "scratch the scab" is a common idiom. It means to aggravate a sensitive issue or reopen an old wound. It suggests that one should avoid dwelling on or interfering with something that is in the process of healing.

How does context affect the meaning of "the scab"?

In a medical context, "the scab" refers to the crust that forms over a wound during healing. In labor disputes, it's a derogatory term for someone who works during a strike. Understanding the context is crucial for interpreting the intended meaning.