Literary notes about scrag (AI summary)
The term "scrag" is deployed in literature in a variety of evocative ways. In one prominent sense, it refers to a specific cut of meat—typically the neck or end portion of mutton or veal—used in recipes and hearty stews, as noted in references [1], [2], and [3]. At the same time, authors employ it colloquially as a verb or noun meaning to attack or kill, conveying menace and rough speech in conversations—for instance, when characters warn, "I'll scrag you" ([4], [5], [6]). Moreover, the word sometimes functions as a descriptive adjective portraying a lean or scraggly appearance, as seen in portrayals of a "scrag-necked youth" ([7], [8]). This multifaceted usage enriches dialogue and narrative detail by blending culinary jargon with vivid, streetwise expressions.
- 1 lb. scrag of mutton, ¾ pint water or stock, 1 onion, 1 carrot, 1 turnip, 1 oz.
— from The Economical Jewish Cook: A Modern Orthodox Recipe Book for Young Housekeepers by Edith B. Cohen - Soak mutton in water for an hour, cut off scrag, and put it in stewpan with three quarts of water.
— from The Whitehouse Cookbook (1887) Cooking, Toilet and Household Recipes, Menus, Dinner-Giving, Table Etiquette, Care of the Sick, Health Suggestions, Facts Worth Knowing, Etc., Etc. The Whole Comprising a Comprehensive Cyclopedia of Information for the Home by Hugo Ziemann - INGREDIENTS.—1 lb. of the scrag end of the neck of mutton, 1 onion, a bunch of sweet herbs, 4 turnip, 1/2 pints of water, pepper and salt to taste.
— from The Book of Household Management by Mrs. (Isabella Mary) Beeton - Now, thin, open your teeth, you omadhaun, and if you let a sound out of you I'll scrag you.
— from Garryowen by H. De Vere (Henry De Vere) Stacpoole - You know too much already, and if I followed my hunch, I’d scrag you now, to play safe.
— from The Crevice by William J. Burns - And the next time I overtake you I promise to put a bullet in the back of your scrag neck."
— from Old Fires and Profitable Ghosts: A Book of Stories by Arthur Quiller-Couch - A scrag-necked youth thrust his face forward from the aperture of the ticket-office.
— from The Mayor of Troy by Arthur Quiller-Couch - The boy, being the son of old parents, was a lean, scrag-necked child, with a lollopping big head, too clever for his years.
— from The White Wolf and Other Fireside Tales by Arthur Quiller-Couch
