Georgian · insult · noun
Scapegrace
SKAYP-grayss /ˈskeɪpɡɹeɪs/pronunciation given by a dictionary
First recordedby 1732
A reckless, disorderly good-for-nothing, often a mischievous boy; literally one who has 'escaped the grace of God'. Grose defined it as a wild dissolute fellow.
Where it was first recorded
Dated by 1732 by Etymonline, which does not name the work (Merriam-Webster gives 1763; the OED's earliest evidence is 1809)
In its own time
If George did not mimic his uncle to his face, it was only by Dobbin's rebukes and Amelia's terrified entreaties that the little scapegrace was induced to desist.
Today
Modern exampleMy nephew, the family scapegrace, has somehow talked his way into running the charity auction.
Fine to use, usually fondly, for a lovable rogue or rascal.
Questions
What does scapegrace mean?
A reckless, disorderly good-for-nothing, often a mischievous boy; literally one who has 'escaped the grace of God'. Grose defined it as a wild dissolute fellow.
When was scapegrace first used?
It is first recorded by 1732 — Dated by 1732 by Etymonline, which does not name the work (Merriam-Webster gives 1763; the OED's earliest evidence is 1809).
Can you still use scapegrace today?
Fine to use, usually fondly, for a lovable rogue or rascal.
Sources
- scapegrace — Online Etymology Dictionary
- A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, Francis Grose, 1st edition (London: S. Hooper, 1785) — Internet Archive (scan + OCR)
- A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue (1811 edition, 'Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue'), Francis Grose — Project Gutenberg eBook #5402
- scapegrace — Merriam-Webster
- Vanity Fair, W. M. Thackeray — Project Gutenberg eBook #599
Checked 2026-09-30 · verdict: attested — found in the dictionaries and texts listed above