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ragamuffin
Ragamuffin (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology
IPA:
What does ragamuffin mean?
A person, typically a child, who is unkempt, poorly dressed, or in shabby attire.
"The ragamuffin sat on the sidewalk, his torn clothes barely providing any warmth."
Detailed Meaning of Ragamuffin
It carries a connotation of a scruffy appearance and a lack of cleanliness. A ragamuffin is often associated with poverty or a lower socioeconomic status, as they may lack access to proper clothing or grooming resources. This term can also be used figuratively to describe someone who appears disheveled or disorganized in their overall demeanor or behavior. The word "ragamuffin" originated from the combination of "rag," referring to tattered or torn clothing, and "muffin," an affectionate term for a child. It captures the image of a person, particularly a child, who presents an appearance of being neglected or unpolished.
Example Sentences for Ragamuffin
1. The alley was filled with a group of ragamuffins, playing and laughing despite their circumstances.
2. The old lady always had a soft spot for the ragamuffins in the neighborhood, often giving them food and clothes.
3. The orphanage provided shelter and care for the ragamuffins who had nowhere else to go.
4. The street performer captivated the audience with his ragamuffin charm and musical talent.
5. Despite his ragamuffin appearance, the boy had a bright smile that could light up a room.
6. The artist captured the essence of the ragamuffin in his painting, showcasing the resilience and spirit amidst adversity.
Origin and Etymology of Ragamuffin
The noun 'ragamuffin' has an intriguing etymology that combines two words: 'rag' and 'muffin.' 'Rag' is derived from the Old English word 'ragga,' which means a torn piece of cloth or a tattered garment. 'Muffin' in this context has a different meaning than the baked goods we associate it with today. It comes from the Middle French word 'moufflet,' which referred to a small, poorly dressed street urchin. Over time, these two words, 'rag' and 'muffin,' merged to form 'ragamuffin,' describing a person, typically a child, who is unkempt, poorly dressed, or in shabby attire. Etymologically, 'ragamuffin' paints a vivid picture of someone dressed in tattered rags, highlighting their disheveled appearance and impoverished state.
Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding
Find the correct meaning of the noun ragamuffin:
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Correct!
More Usage Examples of Ragamuffin
1. Passersby couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy when they saw the ragamuffin digging through the trash for food.
2. The kind-hearted woman organized a clothing drive to help clothe the ragamuffins in the community.
3. The ragamuffin's eyes sparkled with hope as he received a warm meal from the soup kitchen.
4. The city streets were filled with ragamuffins, each one carrying a story of struggle and survival.
5. The ragamuffin's dirty face and tangled hair hid a spirit full of resilience and determination.
6. The charity organization worked tirelessly to provide education and support to the ragamuffins in the slums.
7. The theater production brought the story of a ragamuffin to life, shedding light on the challenges faced by impoverished children.
8. The kind-hearted woman took the young ragamuffin under her wing, offering him a chance at a better future.
9. The little ragamuffin played joyfully in the mud.
10. She adopted a stray kitten, a tiny ragamuffin.
11. The ragamuffin boy's face lit up with a smile.
12. Despite his ragged appearance, he was a kind ragamuffin.
13. The town's streets were full of ragamuffin children.
14. A group of ragamuffin kids gathered to play soccer.
15. The compassionate woman helped the ragamuffin family.
16. He looked like a cheerful ragamuffin in his torn jeans.
17. The orphanage cared for many ragamuffin youngsters.
18. The old man shared a meal with a hungry ragamuffin.
19. She offered warm clothes to the shivering ragamuffin.
20. The park was a gathering place for ragamuffin friends.
21. The little ragamuffin had a heart full of dreams.
22. Despite being a ragamuffin, he had a vibrant spirit.
23. The community rallied to support the ragamuffin shelter.
Synonyms and Related Words for Ragamuffin
Related Vocabulary Practice
Test your understanding of ragamuffin in related quizzes, flashcards, and spelling activities:
SAT 15 (Scholastic Assessment Test)
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Alternative Lifestyles and Poverty
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✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.
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✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT