schuppig

Schuppig is a German adjective that describes something being covered with scales or having a flaky, rough texture. The primary literal sense refers to surfaces or animals with scales, such as schuppige Haut (scaly skin) or ein schuppiges Krokodil (a scaly crocodile). In everyday language it is also used for skin or hair that flakes or peels, for example schuppige Kopfhaut (flaky scalp) or schuppige Hautstellen.

In adjectival use, schuppig conveys a texture that is irregular and rough rather than smooth. It can describe natural materials, geological or mineral surfaces, and animals, as well as human conditions involving dryness and flaking. The term is common in medical and cosmetic contexts when talking about skin or hair care.

Etymology and form: schuppig derives from the noun Schuppe, meaning scale, with the adjectival suffix -ig. This formation parallels other German adjectives formed from nouns to indicate a characteristic.

Related terms and usage notes: Schuppen refers to scales in the zoological sense, while Schuppenflechte is psoriasis, a chronic skin condition characterized by flaking patches. Other related expressions include schuppenartig (scaly-like) and schuppenbedeckt (scale-covered). The word is neutral in tone and primarily descriptive, used in both scientific and everyday language.

See also: Schuppe (scale), Schuppenflechte (psoriasis), schuppenartig.

Examples: Die Krokodilhaut ist schuppig. Die schuppige Kopfhaut juckt oft. Das Fischei weist eine schuppige Oberfläche auf.