different between scarper vs runaway

English

Etymology

Probably from Italian scappare (“to run away”), influenced by Cockney rhyming slang Scapa Flow = go.

• In the chapter "Punch Talk" of 1851, Henry Mayhew, London Labour and the London Poor, Vol 3, the author discusses the slang language used by travelling Italian Punch and Judy men and entertainers, which had English, Italian, Jewish and traveller roots. He states that "scarper" is Punch Talk for "to get away quickly" (from the police or other authority) and derives from the Italian scappare or escappare (compare English escape).

• An alternative etymology traces the word "scarper" to the Cockney rhyming slang Scapa Flow (“go”) (as in, e.g., "go away").

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?sk??(?).p?(?)/
• Rhymes: -??(r)p?(r)

Verb

scarper (third-person singular simple present scarpers, present participle scarpering, simple past and past participle scarpered)

1. (Britain, slang) To run away; to flee; to escape.
   • 1904, John Coleman, Fifty years of an actors? life, Volume 1, page 54,

     Out went the lights, as he continued, "That sneak Whiskers have just blown the gaff to old Slow-Coach, and he'll be here in two two's to give you beans — so scarper, laddies — scarper!"

   • 2001, Ardal O'Hanlon, Knick Knack Paddy Whack, page 7,

     The tramps scarpered, the street-traders pushing prams scarpered, half of Dublin scarpered as if they all had something to hide.

   • 2007, The Guardian, [1]

     Helm writes: 'As if she were some street criminal, ready to scarper, Ruth's home was swooped upon by [Assistant Commissioner John] Yates's men and she was forced to dress in the presence of a female police officer.

Translations

Anagrams

• Carpers, carpers, scraper

English

Alternative forms

• run-away

Etymology

run +? away

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /???n?we?/

Noun

runaway (plural runaways)

1. A person or animal that runs away or has run away; a person, animal, or organization that escapes captivity or restrictions.

   Runaway children are vulnerable to criminal exploitation.
2. A vehicle (especially, a train) that is out of control.
3. (usually attributive) An object or process that is out of control or out of equilibrium.
4. The act of running away, especially of a horse or teams.
   • 2012, John H. White, Jr., Wet Britches and Muddy Boots (page 171)

     The drivers were generally boys […] They would stop the team when other boats passed and at locks while waiting for the water to rise or fall. They could also be useful in preventing or stopping runaways. Horses were easily startled and might bolt off the tow path or into the canal itself.

5. An overwhelming victory.

   The home side won in a runaway.

Translations

Adjective

runaway (comparative more runaway, superlative most runaway)

1. Having run away; escaped; fugitive

   a runaway thief

   1. (of a horse or other animal) having escaped from the control of the rider or driver

      a runaway donkey

   2. Pertaining to or accomplished by running away or eloping

      a runaway marriage

2. Easily won, as a contest

   a runaway victory at the polls

3. unchecked; rampant

   runaway prices

4. (informal) deserting or revolting against one's group, duties, expected conduct, or the like, especially to establish or join a rival group, change one's life drastically, etc.

   The runaway delegates nominated their own candidate.

Translations

Derived terms

• run-awayer
• runaway shop

References

• Dictionary.com

Related terms

• run away