1. Untidy or messy: This is the most common meaning of "scratty". It describes something that is not neat or well-kept, like:
* "He had a scratty beard."
* "The dog had a scratty coat."
* "The room was in a scratty state."
2. Unkempt or scruffy: This meaning is similar to the first, but emphasizes the appearance of something or someone as being rough and uncared for, like:
* "He was a scratty-looking guy."
* "She had a scratty old handbag."
* "The garden was all overgrown and scratty."
3. Aggressive or unpleasant: This is a less common meaning, and it refers to someone who is unpleasant or difficult to deal with, like:
* "He's a real scratty little sod."
* "She gave me a scratty look."
4. Thin or sparse: This meaning is more specific and is often used to describe hair or fur, like:
* "He had a scratty beard, with only a few hairs left."
* "The dog's coat was thin and scratty."
The exact meaning of "scratty" will depend on the context in which it is used. It is generally considered to be a negative term, but it can sometimes be used humorously.