https://notes.neilgorman.com/categories/scrimshankering/ en Thu, 20 Aug 2026 13:12:56 -0500 https://notes.neilgorman.com/2026/08/20/scrimshanker.html Thu, 20 Aug 2026 13:12:56 -0500 http://From78.micro.blog/2026/08/20/scrimshanker.html <p>I adore the word <em><strong>scrimshanker</strong></em>.</p> <p>Scrimshanker likely derives from the term scrimshank, which is believed to combine &ldquo;scrimp&rdquo; and &ldquo;swanker. This term is often used to describe someone who avoids work or duty.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Scrimp</strong>: To be frugal or to avoid waste.</li> <li><strong>Swanker</strong>: An old military slang term referring to someone who works hard.</li> </ul> <p>I&rsquo;ve been thinking about using this word as a compliment rather than an insult to describe someone who is the opposite of a hustler.</p> <p>Maybe use &ldquo;scrimshanking&rdquo; as a verb for being deliberately lazy.</p>