scrag

Scrag is a term with multiple meanings, primarily referring to a tough or bony cut of meat, especially from the neck or shoulder of an animal. In butchery, scrag refers to the neck end of a sheep or lamb. This cut is often used for making stews or stocks due to its rich flavor and collagen content, which breaks down during slow cooking. The term can also be used more generally to describe something lean, bony, or poorly formed.

Beyond its culinary applications, "scrag" can also be used colloquially to describe a person who is thin, weak, or of low social standing. This usage often carries a derogatory connotation. In some contexts, "scrag" might also refer to a type of knot, known as a "scrag knot," which is a simple binding used for securing ropes. The specific meaning of scrag is heavily dependent on the context in which it is used.