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.

#SouthernWords #Appalachia

Pronunciation

[thuh MAINJ]

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. ★

Origin

From Middle English "manche" and Old French "mange," meaning "itch" or "to eat," referring to mites burrowing into the skin. The definite article "the" is common in Appalachian usage for diseases ("the measles," "the sugar").

Notes

In rural communities, mange was a familiar issue for working dogs and livestock. The figurative sense plays on the visible signs of the disease - patchy, worn spots - and is often used humorously.

Kin Topics

Appalachia

Kin Words, Stories and More

Spoilt

Common Questions

Is mange contagious?

Yes - animal-to-animal and sometimes to humans, depending on the type of mite.

Why do Appalachians say "the mange" instead of just "mange"?

Adding "the" follows an older pattern in English where diseases were treated like named conditions ("the flu," "the pox").

Can "the mange" be cured?

Yes, with proper treatment. Left untreated, it can cause serious health issues in animals.

Is the figurative use meant to be insulting?

Usually it’s teasing, but it still means something looks worn, rough, or in bad condition.