scuffling
n.— «“Only in recent years have I heard the terms ‘scufflin’,’ and ‘scuffling.’ It is obvious they are using it to mean ‘struggling,’ but not one dictionary I can find includes scufflin.'” “R: Your pal must be a blues fan, as the album in question is likely ‘Scufflin’ with Stu Ramsay & Chicago Slim’ (Capitol ST-344), a late 1969 release. Though not found in common dictionaries, scufflin’ has been a blues slang word for at least 77 years—maybe longer. I have definitely confirmed a pricey 1929 single by the Barrel House Five, titled “Scufflin’ Blues” (Paramount 12942). Recent sales of this 78 rpm have been in the $700 to $800 range.”» —“‘Scufflin” is old blues slang” by Jerry Osborne Evansville Courier Press (Indiana) Nov. 6, 2006. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
In the 15th century, the word respair meant “to have hope again.” Although this word fell out of use, it’s among dozens collected in a new book of soothing vocabulary for troubled times. Plus, baseball slang: If a batter...
Eric from West Lafayette, Indiana, wonders which phrase is correct when referring to “making the grade” or “meeting expectations”: Is it cut the mustard or cut the muster? It’s the former, a reference to the strong...