We all know the word “scary.” It’s a common adjective that helps us describe things that cause fear or fright. But where does the word “scary” come from, and how has its use evolved over time?
Let’s take a look at the etymology and historical context of “scary” to see how it became the word we use today.
Where does “scary” come from?
The word “scary” comes from the verb “to scare.” At some point, people started using “scary” as an adjective instead of “scaring.”
The “-y” suffix is a common way to make adjectives in English. Think of words like “hairy,” “cheesy,” or “rainy.”
You’ll see the “-y” ending on lots of short, one-syllable words, which might be why “scarey” looks right to some people. But trust me, “scary” is the way to go.
The history of “-y” adjectives
The English language has a long history of using “-y” to create adjectives, but over time, some of these forms have fallen out of common use.
Adding “-y” to longer adjectives can sometimes sound a little funny to the modern ear.
Linguist Otto Jespersen took a look at the history of “-y” adjectives in his 1954 book, “Modern English Grammar.”
He found examples like “bleaky,” used by Dryden, along with color words like “bluey” and “greeny,” and descriptive words like “lanky,” “plumpy,” “stouty,” and the slang term “rummy.”
“Scary” Today
Today, “scary” is a normal, everyday word. It’s the standard way to describe something that causes fear.
There are tons of other adjectives that end in “-y,” but many of them sound old-fashioned today. While some “-y” words like “funny” are still common, others, like “homely,” sound a little strange.
Context matters, too. You might get away with using a less common “-y” adjective in creative writing or informal speech, but it might sound out of place in a formal setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it scary or scared?
Both words are correct, but they have different meanings and uses. “Scary” is an adjective that describes something that causes fear (e.g., “That movie was scary”). “Scared” is an adjective that describes how someone feels when they experience fear (e.g., “I was scared during the movie”).
Is “scary” correct spelling?
Yes, “scary” is the correct spelling. It’s a relatively common word, so double-checking its spelling is always a good idea to ensure clear communication.
Does Scary have an E in it?
Yes, the word “scary” does have a “y” at the end, not an “e”. It’s derived from the word “scare,” but the adjective form uses “y” instead of “e”.
What is the meaning of the word scarcely?
“Scarcely” is an adverb that means “barely” or “hardly.” It implies that something is only just achieved or is only just the case. For example, “I could scarcely believe my eyes” means “I could hardly believe what I saw”. It’s completely unrelated to the word “scary.”
The Bottom Line
So, what’s the final verdict on “scary?” It’s a perfectly good, useful adjective with a clear history and an active role in modern English.
The “-y” suffix is what makes “scary” — and other words like it — so powerful and expressive. It’s a great reminder of how word endings can add vividness and personality to the English language.