Mangy

/ˈmeɪndʒi/ adjective

Definition

Looking dirty, worn-out, and diseased; shabby and in poor condition, or having mange (a skin disease).

Etymology

From 'mange' (a parasitic skin disease in animals) plus '-y' suffix. 'Mange' comes from Old French 'manger' meaning 'to eat,' as the mites eat away at the skin.

Kelly Says

The word 'mange' literally means 'to eat' because the parasites that cause it actually consume the animal's skin—it's a disturbing but accurate description of what the disease does.

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