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
If someone tells you it’s flisky or flobby outside, do you need to take an umbrella? A new book about England’s soggy climate includes 188 terms for rainy weather. Americans have their own joking names for local weather, from June Gloom in Southern...
If you’re ever near a sundial, step closer and look for a message. Many sundials bear haunting, poetic inscriptions about the brevity of life. Plus, language development in toddlers: why and how little ones pick up the exclamation Uh-oh...