the mange
In Appalachian speech, "the mange" is a skin disease that causes hair loss and sores in animals - and sometimes a joking way to describe something ragged or worn out.
Pronunciation
[thuh MAINJ]
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We aim to get true definitions and pronunciations for ever single word we can find. Plus real-life tales from the hills - some funny, some maybe downright wild.
Meaning & Usage
- Animal skin disease (noun)
Elmer:
That poor hound’s got the mange.
Estel:
Best get him some treatment ‘fore it spreads.
- Ragged or patchy condition (figurative use)
Elmer:
That coat looks like it’s got the mange.
Estel:
Been wearin’ it twenty winters.
other spellings: mange, the-mange, and ``
★ If someone says your jacket’s "got the mange," they’re probably teasing - but they’re also saying it’s in rough shape. ★