scratty

comparative more scratty · superlative most scratty

1. UKcolloquialThin, meagre; unkempt.

   Her charm was in the toss of her head as she climbed the scratty trees that lined the River Rundle.

   2004, David Nobbs, Sex and Other Changes, page 2

   2 more examples

   Odd that her head, so small now with the scratty cap of hair, was still heavy enough to dent the pillow down.

   1978, Jane Gardam, God on the Rocks, Abacus, published 2014, page 87

   Oriental girls – and how did she think she could compete with them? Abi Righton, poor skin, scratty hair, wonky teeth.

   2010, Susan Hill, The Shadows in the Street