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My mother used to call me a... | Almanac.com

My mother used to call me a...

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My mother used to call me a “scallywag.” What does this mean?
Answer
Scalawag, or scallywag, is a word from the Shetland Islands that refers to a small, stunted domestic animal, such as a pony or cow, that is of little value. Most likely, your mother used the word as an affectionate diminutive, along the lines of “you little rascal.”