Scrappy describes someone who fights hard and refuses to give up, even when facing bigger or stronger opponents. A scrappy basketball player might be smaller than everyone else on the court but dives for loose balls, plays tough defense, and never stops hustling. A scrappy debate team from a small school might defeat much larger schools through determination and clever arguments.

The word suggests a combination of toughness, resourcefulness, and fighting spirit. Scrappy people don't have every advantage, but they make the most of what they do have. They're willing to get their hands dirty, work harder than others expect, and keep pushing when things get difficult.

You'll often hear scrappy used to describe underdogs: the small-town football team that nearly beats the state champions, the student who struggles with reading but improves through sheer determination, or the startup company competing against giant corporations.

When someone calls you scrappy, they're recognizing that you've got grit and heart, qualities that often matter more than size or natural talent.