ragamuffin

A ragamuffin is a term used to describe a poorly dressed, disheveled, or neglected child. It implies a certain unkemptness, often associated with poverty or a lack of parental supervision. The word itself suggests a person who is a bit of a rogue or a scamp, but the primary connotation is one of physical appearance. This could include torn or ill-fitting clothes, matted hair, and general signs of not being well-cared for.

The term is generally used in a somewhat affectionate, though still descriptive, way. It's not usually intended as a harsh insult but rather to paint a picture of a child who is perhaps living a life of hardship or has a rebellious spirit. Historically, the image of a ragamuffin might evoke a street urchin or a child from a very impoverished background.

In popular culture, the ragamuffin archetype appears in literature and film, often portraying characters who are resilient and resourceful despite their difficult circumstances. These characters might be seen as endearing for their innocence and spirit, even in their unpolished state. The term has largely fallen out of common usage in formal contexts but remains understood as a descriptive label for a child who appears neglected or poorly dressed.