Shabby
'ʃæbi
Definitions
2 meaningsIn poor condition because of age or lack of care.
'ʃæbi
In poor condition through age or lack of care.
The curtains were shabby and faded.
💡 Simply: Imagine your favorite toy got a little beat up from all the fun you've had. That's *shabby*! It's old and a bit worn out.
👶 For kids: When something looks old and a little broken, we say it's shabby.
More Examples
He lived in a shabby apartment.
The park was looking a little shabby after the storm.
How It's Used
"The old house looked shabby and run-down."
"She liked the shabby chic look of the vintage furniture."
Characterized by meanness, unfairness, or dishonesty.
'ʃæbi
Showing a lack of fairness or decency; contemptible.
That was a shabby trick.
💡 Simply: If someone does something mean or unfair, like not sharing their toys or making fun of someone, that's *shabby* behavior.
👶 For kids: When someone is being mean or unfair.
More Examples
He felt they had been treated in a shabby way.
The firm was accused of some shabby dealings.
How It's Used
"He was accused of shabby treatment towards his employees."
"The company's shabby business practices damaged its reputation."
Idioms & expressions
shabby chic
A design aesthetic that emphasizes vintage, distressed, and antique elements to create a rustic yet elegant look.
"She decorated her apartment in the shabby chic style."
shabby genteel
Refers to people or families who once possessed wealth or social status, but have since fallen into poverty or reduced circumstances, yet maintain a semblance of respectability.
"The novel depicts a family living a shabby genteel existence after losing their fortune."
From Middle English *shabby*, probably from a Scandinavian source related to Old Norse *skabba* 'to scratch, scrape'. It originally meant 'scurvy' or 'mangy', later evolving to describe something worn or deteriorated.
Historically, 'shabby' was used to describe someone or something infected with or afflicted by scurvy or mange. The meaning has evolved to describe things in poor condition.
Memory tip
Think of a *shabby* coat. It's old, worn, and not well-maintained.