Scrooch
In Southern and Midland U.S. dialect speech, "scrooch" means to crouch, squeeze, or huddle - often used with "down," "in," or "over" (e.g. "scrooch down," "scrooch in").
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synonyms: crouch, huddle, squeeze, edge over
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Growin' up, we always said (and still say) 'scoot', but 'scrooch' is very similar. I would say it's a little more regional. Hillbilly Dude Says...
Growin' up, we always said (and still say) 'scoot', but 'scrooch' is very similar. I would say it's a little more regional. Pronunciation
[SKROOCH]
/skruːtʃ/
/skruːtʃ/
Meaning & Usage
- To crouch, huddle, or squeeze together (intransitive verb)
Mae:
Scrooch over so I can sit beside you.
Scrooch over so I can sit beside you.variations: scrooch in, scrooch down, scrooch up
Origin and Etymology
"Scrooch" is a dialectal American verb, especially in Southern and Midland English, and probably a variant of *scrouge* (to squeeze or crowd), with influence from *crouch*. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} It’s been used in U.S. colloquial speech for "crouch" or "huddle" for well over a century. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Usage Notes
Common in informal, local speech.
- Often pairs with direction words: "scrooch down," "scrooch in," "scrooch over."
- Used when folks are pressed together: in small seats, in a crowd, in a car.
- Feels intimate or cozy - making room or bending low rather than standing tall.