Scrimm
/skrɪm/noun
An informal shortened form of scrimmage, meaning a practice game or informal contest.
Did you know?Scrimm ultimately belongs to the same tangled word-family as skirmish and the Italian commedia character Scaramuccia, better known in English as Scaramouche.
Etymological Timeline
16th Century
Italian
scaramuccia
“A skirmish or brief combat; also the name of a swaggering commedia dell’arte character.”
16th Century
French
escarmouche
“A skirmish or minor military engagement, borrowed from Italian.”
14th Century
English
skirmish
“A small, scattered fight or military encounter.”
15th Century
English
scrimmage
“A confused fight or close struggle; later, an informal practice contest.”
Modern English
English
scrimm
“An informal clipping of scrimmage, especially a practice game or contest.”
Explore more surprising origins