Tatterdemalion meaning

Tatterdemalion means ragged or unkempt in appearance.


Tatterdemalion definitions

Word backwards noilamedrettat
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "tatterdemalion" is a noun.
Syllabic division tat-ter-de-mal-ion
Plural The plural of the word tatterdemalion is tatterdemalions.
Total letters 14
Vogais (4) a,e,i,o
Consonants (6) t,r,d,m,l,n

Tatterdemalion is a term that refers to someone who is ragged or unkempt in appearance, often wearing tattered or worn-out clothing. The word has its origins in Middle English and was derived from French and Gaelic words meaning "ragged" or "torn clothing."

Origin and Meaning

In literature and historical contexts, the term tatterdemalion is used to describe individuals who are impoverished, neglected, or disheveled in their appearance. It can also be applied to objects or things that are in a dilapidated or shabby condition.

Usage in Modern Times

While the term may not be as commonly used in everyday language today, it still carries a powerful and evocative image of someone or something that is worn down, neglected, or in a state of disrepair. In a figurative sense, it can be used to describe someone who is unkempt in their personal grooming or appearance.

Symbolism and Metaphor

As a symbol, the tatterdemalion can represent various themes such as poverty, neglect, resilience, and the human spirit's ability to endure hardships. It can serve as a metaphor for the struggles and challenges that individuals face in their lives, highlighting the resilience and strength that can emerge from adversity.

In literature and art, the image of a tatterdemalion figure can evoke emotions of empathy, compassion, and reflection. It serves as a reminder of the diverse experiences and circumstances that shape individuals' lives and the importance of acknowledging and understanding the complexities of human existence.


Tatterdemalion Examples

  1. The tatterdemalion scarecrow stood guard over the cornfield.
  2. The homeless man's tatterdemalion appearance drew sympathetic looks from passersby.
  3. In the old, tatterdemalion mansion, strange noises could be heard at night.
  4. The tatterdemalion flag fluttered in the wind, a symbol of a once-great empire.
  5. The tatterdemalion book had been passed down through generations, its pages yellowed with age.
  6. The tatterdemalion streets of the ancient city were filled with history and mystery.
  7. The tatterdemalion quilt was made from scraps of fabric collected over many years.
  8. She found a tatterdemalion doll hidden in the attic, its porcelain face cracked and faded.
  9. The tatterdemalion carousel played haunting melodies that echoed through the abandoned amusement park.
  10. The tatterdemalion painting depicted a forgotten landscape, its colors muted and blurred.


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  • Updated 02/04/2024 - 22:49:35