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
A new book about how animals perceive their environment reveals immense worlds beyond our own. A bee can see ultraviolet light, catfish have taste buds all over their bodies, and manatees use highly sensitive lips to examine nearby objects. Also...
While compiling the Oxford English Dictionary, lexicographer James Murray exchanged hundreds of letters a week with authors, advisors, and volunteer researchers. A new collection online lets you eavesdrop on discussions about which words should be...