Scraping vs. Scrapping — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 25, 2023
Scraping refers to the act of removing or taking off by rubbing, while scrapping means discarding or getting rid of something. They differ in both pronunciation and meaning, with an extra "p" in "scrapping."
Difference Between Scraping and Scrapping
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Key Differences
Scraping is an action that often denotes the process of forcefully rubbing or removing a layer or residue from a surface. Whether you're using a tool or your nails, scraping usually indicates that something is being taken off or cleaned by friction. On the other hand, scrapping suggests an entirely different action, one of removal or disposal.
Scrapping can refer to the act of discarding or throwing away. For instance, when a car is no longer usable, it may be sent to a junkyard, referred to as "scrapping" the car. On the contrary, scraping would never have such a connotation. It's the difference between cleaning a car's windshield by scraping off the frost and getting rid of the car entirely by scrapping it.
If you think about the sound of both words, scraping can evoke the noise made when something is dragged or rubbed across a surface. The act of scrapping, however, doesn’t resonate with a particular sound, but rather a decision or an action to dispose of or abandon something.
In digital contexts, scraping often pertains to extracting data or information from websites. Meanwhile, scrapping in the same context might refer to discarding a project, plan, or idea. Thus, while the words are phonetically similar, their usages and implications in various contexts make them distinct.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Removing or taking off by rubbing.
Discarding or getting rid of something.
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Part of Speech
Verb
Verb
Associated Actions
Cleaning, removing residue.
Abandoning, discarding.
Contextual Usage
Often used in cleaning or data extraction contexts.
Typically pertains to disposal or abandonment.
Phonetics
Sounds like the action of rubbing something off a surface.
No specific sound association, but indicates disposal.
Compare with Definitions
Scraping
Removing an outer layer by rubbing or abrasion.
I spent the morning scraping paint off the old bench.
Scrapping
Abandoning or discarding.
I'm scrapping my original plan after hearing your feedback.
Scraping
Bending low and drawing in the body.
The cat was scraping itself against the wall.
Scrapping
Disposing of or throwing away.
They're scrapping their old business model in favor of a new one.
Scraping
Extracting information from websites.
She's an expert in web scraping to gather data.
Scrapping
Sending machinery or equipment to be recycled.
The company is scrapping old computers this year.
Scraping
To remove (an outer layer, for example) from a surface by forceful strokes of an edged or rough instrument
Scraped the wallpaper off before painting the wall.
Scrapping
Engaging in a fight.
The two teams were scrapping over the final playoff spot.
Scraping
To abrade or smooth by rubbing with a sharp or rough instrument.
Scrapping
Removing from service.
The old train was scrapping due to maintenance issues.
Scraping
To rub (a surface) with considerable pressure, as with an edged instrument or a hard object.
Scrapping
A fight or scuffle.
Scraping
To draw (a hard or abrasive object) forcefully over a surface
Scraped my fingernails down the blackboard.
Scrapping
A small piece or bit; a fragment.
Scraping
To injure the surface of by rubbing against something rough or sharp
Scraped my knee on the sidewalk.
Scrapping
Scraps Leftover bits of food.
Scraping
To amass or produce with difficulty
Scrape together some cash.
Scrapping
Discarded waste material, especially metal suitable for reprocessing.
Scraping
To come into sliding, abrasive contact.
Scrapping
Scraps Crisp pieces of rendered animal fat; cracklings.
Scraping
To rub or move with a harsh grating noise.
Scrapping
To break down into parts for disposal or salvage
Scrap an old stove.
Scraping
To give forth a harsh grating noise.
Scrapping
To discard or abandon as useless; cancel
Scrap a plan.
Scraping
To economize or save money by paying attention to very small amounts; scrimp.
Scrapping
To fight, usually with the fists.
Scraping
To succeed or manage with difficulty
Scraped through by a narrow margin.
Scrapping
Present participle of scrap
Scraping
The act of scraping.
Scrapping
The act by which something is scrapped.
Scraping
The sound of scraping.
Scraping
An abrasion on the skin.
Scraping
An embarrassing or difficult predicament.
Scraping
A fight; a scuffle.
Scraping
The sound or action of something being scraped.
Scraping
Something removed by being scraped.
The scrapings of roads and ditches
Scraping
(computing) Automated collection of data, data scraping.
Scraping
Present participle of scrape
Scraping
The act of scraping; the act or process of making even, or reducing to the proper form, by means of a scraper.
Scraping
Something scraped off; that which is separated from a substance, or is collected by scraping; as, the scraping of the street.
Scraping
Resembling the act of, or the effect produced by, one who, or that which, scrapes; as, a scraping noise; a scraping miser.
Scraping
(usually plural) a fragment scraped off of something and collected;
They collected blood scrapings for analysis
Scraping
A harsh noise made by scraping;
The scrape of violin bows distracted her
Scraping
A deep bow with the foot drawn backwards (indicating excessive humility);
All that bowing and scraping did not impress him
Scraping
Making a harsh noise.
The sound of chairs scraping against the floor disturbed the meeting.
Scraping
Collecting or gathering, especially with difficulty.
He's always scraping together money to pay his bills.
Common Curiosities
Can scrapping be used in a digital context?
Yes, one might say they're "scrapping a project" meaning they're abandoning it.
Is web scraping legal?
Web scraping legality depends on the site's terms of service and other factors. It's essential to seek legal counsel.
What tools are commonly used for scraping?
Tools like scrapers, spatulas, or even software programs for digital scraping.
Does scraping always damage the surface?
Not necessarily. Gentle scraping can clean without causing damage.
Does scrapping always involve physical items?
No, you can scrap ideas, plans, or digital projects.
Can scrapping have a positive connotation?
Yes, like when scrapping an ineffective method for a better one.
Does scraping always imply a harsh action?
No, scraping can be gentle, like scraping butter on toast, or forceful, like scraping rust.
If I dispose of my old car, am I scraping or scrapping it?
You are scrapping it.
Are scraping sounds always unpleasant?
No, but they can be depending on the context, like nails on a chalkboard.
What's the main difference between scraping and scrapping?
Scraping is about rubbing or removing, while scrapping is about discarding or abandoning.
Why might someone engage in web scraping?
To collect data, monitor changes on websites, or for competitive analysis.
What's the physical act of scrapping like?
It involves disposing, recycling, or sending something to be discarded.
What materials are typically scrapped?
Old cars, machinery, metal, and outdated equipment are commonly scrapped.
Can the two terms be used interchangeably?
No, they have distinct meanings and should be used in their respective contexts.
Can scraping be a profession?
Yes, especially in the digital context, where data scraping is a sought-after skill.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
