scrappy
adj/ˈskɹæpi/
Etymology From scrap + -y.
1
Consisting of scraps; fragmentary; lacking unity or consistency.
- That was a scrappy lecture.
2
Informal Having an aggressive spirit; inclined to fight or strive.
- He's a scrappy dog and will charge at you if you taunt him.
- In those days PGS [Portsmouth Grammar School] was full of sadistic staff and scrappy boys called things like Smudger, Muzz and Titch.2012, Mark Rice-Oxley, Underneath the Lemon Tree:
1 more example
- The [Washington] Post's proprietor through those turbulent [Watergate] days, Katharine Graham, held a double place in Washington’s hierarchy: at once regal Georgetown hostess and scrappy newshound, ready to hold the establishment to account.2013 August 10, Lexington, “Keeping the mighty honest”, in The Economist, volume 408, number 8848:
3
Informal (Of a fight) characterised by lots of ungainly or wild punches, grabs, wrestling, etc.
4
Informal (Of a sports match) characterised by awkward or clumsy play.
- Synonyms
- disconnected, feisty, pugnacious
- Derived terms
- scrappily, scrappiness