scallywag

• Nom avec plusieurs sens : historiquement, un Blanc du Sud soutenant la politique de Reconstruction après la guerre de Sécession, souvent par intérêt personnel ; plus généralement, un vaurien malhonnête et peu fiable ; ou, dans un sens plus léger, une personne qui fait des bêtises de manière espiègle.

A noun with multiple meanings: historically, a white Southerner who supported Reconstruction policies after the American Civil War, often for personal gain; more generally, a deceitful and unreliable scoundrel; or, in a lighter sense, a person who is playfully mischievous.

1. Reconstruction supporterC1formalamericanpolitical

   A white Southerner who collaborated with Republican Reconstruction governments after the American Civil War, often for personal gain.

   scalwag (partisan sudiste des gouvernements républicains)

   • Many scalawags were former Unionists who saw economic opportunity in Reconstruction.
   • The term 'scallywag' was used as a derogatory label by Southern Democrats.
   • Historians debate whether scalawags were motivated by principle or self-interest.

2. Deceitful personB2informal

   A dishonest, untrustworthy individual who behaves in a roguish or unscrupulous manner.

   Personne malhonnête et rouée

   • That scallywag tried to sell me a broken watch.
   • Don't trust him; he's a known scallywag in the business world.
   • The old sailor told tales of scallywags and pirates.

   Synonymesblackguardknavemiscreantrapscallionrascalroguescampswindlertricksterwretch

   Antonymesparagonsaintstraight shooter

3. Playful mischief-makerB1informal

   A person, especially a child, who is mischievous in a fun, harmless way.

   Espiègle

   • The little scallywag hid my keys as a joke.
   • He's a lovable scallywag who always gets into harmless trouble.
   • The puppy was a scallywag, stealing socks and running around the yard.

   Synonymesimpmonkeyrapscallionrascalroguescampurchin