The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word SCRUFF
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
S
C
R
U
F
F
More clues leading to the result SCRUFF
- Where hair finishes being untidy, needing to be cut
- One probably wouldn't wash the back of the neck
- Small clip around ear finally, or back of neck
- Nape of a street urchin
- Untidy person getting clean, largely to meet females
- Republican in scrape? Not a smart person
- Untidy person’s neck
- Trump after starting: “Some chicken! Some neck!”
- Scrape involving right messy sort
- Messy sort runs when brush is around
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Messy sort" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case messy sort = scruff.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SCRUFF mean?
SCRUFF noun- Someone with an untidy appearance.
- Stubble, facial hair (on males).
- Crust.
- Scurf.
- The loose skin at the back of the neck of some animals.
- The back of the neck, nape; also scruff of the neck.
- To lift or carry by the scruff.