"The mange" is a Southern and Appalachian word for a skin disease in animals, especially dogs - and by extension, a humorous way to describe something ragged, patchy, or falling apart.
I use this one fairly common in casual conversation - 'looks like your lawn mower got eat up with the mange.'
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I use this one fairly common in casual conversation - 'looks like your lawn mower got eat up with the mange.'
Pronunciation
[thuh MAYNJ] or [THEE maynj]
/ðə meɪndʒ/
Meaning & Usage
- A skin disease causing hair loss in animals (noun)
Literal use
Earl:
Dog’s got the mange again - better haul him to the vet.
- Figurative: ragged, patchy, or run-down appearance
Figurative use
Mae:
That recliner looks like it’s got the mange.
Earl:
Ain’t no fixin’ that thing - just pitch it.
variations: mangy, got the mange
★ If someone says your jacket’s "got the mange," they’re probably teasing - but they’re also saying it’s in rough shape. ★
Origin and Etymology
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").
Usage Notes
Common literal use in farm and animal talk; figurative use is distinctly Southern/Appalachian and humorous.
Often said with "the" - "the mange" rather than plain "mange."
"Mangy" works as the adjective form: "That old mutt’s mangy as a fox."
Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...
I use this one fairly common in casual conversation - 'looks like your lawn mower got eat up with the mange.' 
