Scratch vs. Gouge — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 21, 2024
A scratch is a superficial mark made by a thin object, whereas a gouge is a deeper cut or groove, typically made by a tool.
Difference Between Scratch and Gouge
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Scratches are typically surface-level marks that affect only the outermost layer of the material, such as paint, skin, or wood. They are often caused by sharp or pointed objects lightly scraping across a surface. In contrast, gouges are deeper and more severe, removing a portion of the material, which creates a noticeable trench or groove.
While scratches can be accidental, minor, and cosmetic, often not impairing the functionality of the object, gouges can compromise the structural integrity of the material, particularly in woodworking or metalworking, where they are often intentionally made as part of a shaping process. On the other hand, scratches are seldom intentional and are typically the result of wear or mishandling.
The tools and causes for each are distinct; scratches can be made with anything from fingernails to the edge of a piece of paper, while gouges require a chisel, router, or other tool specifically designed to remove chunks of material. This makes gouges more associated with craft and construction contexts, whereas scratches are common in everyday scenarios.
In terms of repair, scratches can often be buffed out or covered up with paint or another filler. Gouges, however, may require filling with wood filler, putty, or even replacement of the damaged part due to the depth and extent of the damage.
The terms are also used metaphorically in different contexts. "Scratching the surface" implies a shallow or preliminary investigation, while "gouging out" can refer to deep extraction or removal, emphasizing the severity and depth compared to the superficial nature of a scratch.
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Comparison Chart
Depth
Superficial, affects only the surface layer.
Deep, removes significant material.
Cause
Light contact with sharp or pointed objects.
Forceful application of a specific tool.
Tools Used
Any sharp object (e.g., nails, knives).
Specialized tools (e.g., chisels, gouging tools).
Impact on Material
Cosmetic, usually does not affect functionality.
Can compromise structural integrity.
Repair Complexity
Generally easy to repair or hide.
Often requires more complex repair methods.
Compare with Definitions
Scratch
A mark or wound made by scratching.
The cat left a scratch on my arm.
Gouge
A chisel with a concave blade, used in carpentry, sculpture, and surgery.
He used a gouge to create the sculpture's intricate details.
Scratch
To make a thin shallow cut or mark on (a surface) with a hard or sharp instrument.
The table was scratched by the keys.
Gouge
To make a hole or a groove with a sharp tool or by forceful impact.
The worker gouged a hole in the wood for the fixture.
Scratch
To break the surface of something by scraping with nails or a sharp instrument.
The artist scratched the canvas to add texture.
Gouge
A deep cut or groove made by gouging.
The heavy furniture left a gouge in the hardwood floor.
Scratch
To scrape or rub as with a rough or sharp instrument.
She scratched the label off the jar.
Gouge
To scoop out or turn with or as if with a gouge.
He gouged out an eye in the potato.
Scratch
A slight and single cut, generally superficial.
The new phone already had a scratch on its screen.
Gouge
To cut or scoop out in a rough or forceful way.
The sculptor gouged out large chunks of marble.
Scratch
Score or mark the surface of (something) with a sharp or pointed object
He scratched at a stain on his jacket
The car's paintwork was battered and scratched
Gouge
A chisel with a blade that has a rounded, angled, or troughlike indentation along its length.
Scratch
Cancel or strike out (writing) with a pen or pencil
The name of Dr McNab was scratched out and that of Dr Dunstaple substituted
Gouge
A scooping or digging action, as with such a chisel.
Scratch
Play a record using the scratch technique.
He raps and scratches simultaneously to dazzling effect
Gouge
A groove or hole scooped with or as if with such a chisel.
Scratch
A mark or wound made by scratching
The scratches on her arm were throbbing
Gouge
(Informal) A large amount, as of money, exacted or extorted.
Scratch
A technique, used especially in rap music, of stopping a record by hand and moving it back and forwards to give a rhythmic scratching effect
A scratch mix
Gouge
To cut or scoop out with or as if with a gouge
"He began to gouge a small pattern in the sand with his cane" (Vladimir Nabokov).
Scratch
(in sport) the starting point in a race for a competitor that is not given a handicap or advantage
A 631-metres handicap, when the excellent stayer, Too Fast, will be off scratch
Gouge
To force out the eye of (a person) with one's thumb.
Scratch
Money
He was working to get some scratch together
Gouge
To thrust one's thumb into the eye of.
Scratch
Assembled or made from whatever is available, and so unlikely to be of the highest quality
City were fielding a scratch squad
Gouge
(Informal) To extort from.
Scratch
(of a sports competitor or event) with no handicap given
He was a scratch player at many courses
Gouge
(Slang) To swindle.
Scratch
To make a thin shallow cut or mark on (a surface) with a sharp instrument.
Gouge
Senses relating to cutting tools.
Scratch
To use the nails or claws to dig or scrape at.
Gouge
A chisel with a curved blade for cutting or scooping channels, grooves, or holes in wood, stone, etc.
Scratch
To rub or scrape (the skin) to relieve itching.
Gouge
A bookbinder's tool with a curved face, used for blind tooling or gilding.
Scratch
To scrape or strike on an abrasive surface.
Gouge
An incising tool that cuts blanks or forms for envelopes, gloves, etc., from leather, paper, or other materials.
Scratch
To write or draw (something) by scraping a surface
Scratched their initials on a rock.
Gouge
A cut or groove, as left by a gouge or something sharp.
The nail left a deep gouge in the tire.
Scratch
To write or draw hurriedly
Scratched off a thank-you note.
Gouge
An act of gouging.
Scratch
To strike out or cancel (a word, for example) by or as if by drawing lines through.
Gouge
(slang) A cheat, a fraud; an imposition.
Scratch
(Slang) To cancel (a project or program, for example).
Gouge
(slang) An impostor.
Scratch
To withdraw (an entry) from a contest or competition
The jockey decided to scratch the horse when it sprained its ankle.
Gouge
(mining) Soft material lying between the wall of a vein and the solid vein of ore.
Scratch
To withdraw an entry from (a contest or competition)
Having won three races already, the swimmer scratched her final event.
Gouge
Information.
Scratch
To use the nails or claws to dig, scrape, or wound.
Gouge
(transitive) To make a groove, hole, or mark in by scooping with or as if with a gouge.
Japanese and Chinese printers used to gouge characters in wood.
Scratch
To rub or scrape the skin to relieve itching.
Gouge
(transitive) To cheat or impose upon; in particular, to charge an unfairly or unreasonably high price.
The company has no competition, so it tends to gouge its customers.
Scratch
To make a harsh scraping sound.
Gouge
To dig or scoop (something) out with or as if with a gouge; in particular, to use a thumb to push or try to push the eye (of a person) out of its socket.
Scratch
To gather funds or produce a living with difficulty.
Gouge
(intransitive) To use a gouge.
Scratch
To withdraw from a contest or competition.
Gouge
A chisel, with a hollow or semicylindrical blade, for scooping or cutting holes, channels, or grooves, in wood, stone, etc.; a similar instrument, with curved edge, for turning wood.
Scratch
(Games) To make a shot in billiards that results in a penalty, as when the cue ball falls into a pocket or jumps the cushion.
Gouge
A bookbinder's tool for blind tooling or gilding, having a face which forms a curve.
Scratch
A mark resembling a line that is produced by scratching.
Gouge
An incising tool which cuts forms or blanks for gloves, envelopes, etc. from leather, paper, etc.
Scratch
A slight wound.
Gouge
Soft material lying between the wall of a vein and the solid vein.
Scratch
A hasty scribble.
Gouge
The act of scooping out with a gouge, or as with a gouge; a groove or cavity scooped out, as with a gouge.
Scratch
A sound made by scratching.
Gouge
Imposition; cheat; fraud; also, an impostor; a cheat; a trickish person.
Scratch
(Sports) The starting line for a race.
Gouge
An impression in a surface (as made by a blow)
Scratch
A contestant who has been withdrawn from a competition.
Gouge
And edge tool with a blade like a trough for cutting channels or grooves
Scratch
The act of scratching in billiards.
Gouge
The act of gouging
Scratch
A fluke or chance shot in billiards.
Gouge
Force with the thumb;
Gouge out his eyes
Scratch
Poultry feed.
Gouge
Obtain by coercion or intimidation;
They extorted money from the executive by threatening to reveal his past to the company boss
They squeezed money from the owner of the business by threatening him
Scratch
(Slang) Money.
Gouge
Make a groove in
Scratch
Done haphazardly or by chance.
Scratch
Assembled hastily or at random.
Scratch
(Sports) Having no golf handicap.
Scratch
To rub a surface with a sharp object, especially by a living creature to remove itching with nails, claws, etc.
Could you please scratch my back?
Scratch
To rub the skin with rough material causing a sensation of irritation; to cause itching.
I don't like that new scarf because it scratches my neck.
Scratch
To irritate someone's skin with one's unshaven beard when kissing.
Scratch
To mark a surface with a sharp object, thereby leaving a scratch (noun).
A real diamond can easily scratch a pane of glass.
Scratch
(of a surface) to get such scratches
This platter scratches easily.
Scratch
To cross out, strike out, strike through some text on a page.
Scratch
Hence, to remove, ignore, or delete.
Scratch what I said earlier; I was wrong.
When the favorite was scratched from the race, there was a riot at the betting windows.
Scratch
(music) To produce a distinctive sound on a turntable by moving a vinyl record back and forth while manipulating the crossfader (see also scratching).
Scratch
(billiards) To commit a foul in pool, as where the cue ball is put into a pocket or jumps off the table.
Embarrassingly, he scratched on the break, popping the cue completely off the table.
Scratch
To score, not by skillful play but by some fortunate chance of the game.
Scratch
To write or draw hastily or awkwardly; scrawl.
Scratch
(ambitransitive) To dig or excavate with the claws.
Some animals scratch holes, in which they burrow.
Scratch
To dig or scrape (a person's skin) with claws or fingernails in self-defense or with the intention to injure.
The cat scratched the little girl.
Scratch
To announce one's non-participation in a race or sports event part of a larger sports meeting that they were previously signed up for, usually in lieu of another event at the same meeting.
Scratch
A disruption, mark or shallow cut on a surface made by scratching.
I can’t believe there is a scratch in the paint already.
Her skin was covered with tiny scratches.
Scratch
An act of scratching the skin to alleviate an itch or irritation.
The dog sat up and had a good scratch.
Scratch
(sports)
Scratch
A starting line (originally and simply, a line scratched in the ground), as in boxing.
Scratch
A technical error of touching or surpassing the starting mark prior to the official start signal in the sporting events of long jump, discus, hammer throw, shot put, and similar. Originally the starting mark was a scratch on the ground but is now a board or precisely indicated mark.
Scratch
(cycling) The last riders to depart in a handicap race.
Scratch
(billiards) An aberration.
Scratch
(horse racing) A horse withdrawn from a race prior to the start.
There were two scratches in race 8, which reduced the field from 9 horses to 7.
Scratch
(meiosis) An injury.
It's just a scratch!
Scratch
(slang) Money.
Scratch
A feed, usually a mixture of a few common grains, given to chickens.
Scratch
(in the plural) Minute, but tender and troublesome, excoriations, covered with scabs, upon the heels of horses which have been used where it is very wet or muddy.
Scratch
A scratch wig.
Scratch
(music) A genre of Virgin Islander music, better known as fungi.
Scratch
Scrawled or illegible handwriting; chicken scratch.
Scratch
For or consisting of preliminary or tentative, incomplete, etc. work.
This is scratch paper, so go ahead and scribble whatever you want on it.
Scratch
Hastily assembled, arranged or constructed, from whatever materials are to hand, with little or no preparation
Scratch
(computing) Relating to a scratchpad, a data structure or recording medium attached to a machine for testing or temporary use.
Scratch memory
Scratch
(sports) (of a player) Of a standard high enough to play without a handicap, i.e. to compete without the benefit of a variation in scoring based on ability.
Scratch
To rub and tear or mark the surface of with something sharp or ragged; to scrape, roughen, or wound slightly by drawing something pointed or rough across, as the claws, the nails, a pin, or the like.
Small sand-colored stones, so hard as to scratch glass.
Be mindful, when invention fails,To scratch your head, and bite your nails.
Scratch
To write or draw hastily or awkwardly.
Scratch
To cancel by drawing one or more lines through, as the name of a candidate upon a ballot, or of a horse in a list; hence, to erase; to efface; - often with out.
Scratch
To dig or excavate with the claws; as, some animals scratch holes, in which they burrow.
Scratch
To use the claws or nails in tearing or in digging; to make scratches.
Dull, tame things, . . . that will neither bite nor scratch.
Scratch
To score, not by skillful play but by some fortunate chance of the game.
Scratch
A break in the surface of a thing made by scratching, or by rubbing with anything pointed or rough; a slight wound, mark, furrow, or incision.
The coarse file . . . makes deep scratches in the work.
These nails with scratches deform my breast.
God forbid a shallow scratch should driveThe prince of Wales from such a field as this.
Scratch
A line across the prize ring; up to which boxers are brought when they join fight; hence, test, trial, or proof of courage; as, to bring to the scratch; to come up to the scratch.
Scratch
Minute, but tender and troublesome, excoriations, covered with scabs, upon the heels of horses which have been used where it is very wet or muddy.
Scratch
A kind of wig covering only a portion of the head.
Scratch
A shot which scores by chance and not as intended by the player; a fluke.
Scratch
In various sports, the line from which the start is made, except in the case of contestants receiving a distance handicap.
Scratch
Made, done, or happening by chance; arranged with little or no preparation; determined by circumstances; haphazard; as, a scratch team; a scratch crew for a boat race; a scratch shot in billiards.
Scratch
An abraded area where the skin is torn or worn off
Scratch
A depression scratched or carved into a surface
Scratch
Informal terms for money
Scratch
Dry mash for poultry
Scratch
A harsh noise made by scraping;
The scrape of violin bows distracted her
Scratch
Poor handwriting
Scratch
An indication of damage
Scratch
Cause friction;
My sweater scratches
Scratch
Cut the surface of; wear away the surface of
Scratch
Scrape or rub as if to relieve itching;
Don't scratch your insect bites!
Common Curiosities
What differentiates a scratch from a gouge?
A scratch is a superficial mark, whereas a gouge is a deeper, more substantial removal of material.
How can you repair a deep gouge on wood?
A deep gouge on wood can be repaired by filling it with wood filler or putty, then sanding it down and refinishing the surface.
Can gouges be beneficial in any context?
In woodworking and sculpture, gouges are essential for shaping and detailing work.
What immediate action should be taken if a valuable item is scratched?
If a valuable item is scratched, assess the depth and consider professional restoration, especially if the item is antique or delicate.
How do you prevent scratches on delicate surfaces?
To prevent scratches, use protective covers, avoid dragging objects across surfaces, and keep sharp items away.
What is the common tool to make a gouge?
A gouging tool or a chisel is commonly used to make gouges.
Is a scratch likely to lead to further damage?
While a scratch is generally superficial, it can lead to further damage if it exposes underlying materials to elements like moisture or rust.
What typically causes scratches on metal?
Scratches on metal are typically caused by contact with hard objects like keys, tools, or other metal objects.
Can both scratches and gouges occur on any material?
Yes, both can occur on various materials but their effects and visibility might differ based on the material’s resilience and thickness.
Are there any specific cleaning tips for scratched surfaces?
For scratched surfaces, use gentle cleaning products and soft cloths to avoid worsening the scratches.
What safety precautions should be taken when using a gouging tool?
When using gouging tools, wear safety goggles, gloves, and ensure a stable working environment to prevent accidents.
Can a scratch evolve into a gouge over time?
Generally, a scratch does not evolve into a gouge since a gouge is characterized by the removal of material, not just a mark.
How can scratches affect the resale value of an item?
Visible scratches can significantly reduce the resale value of items, especially electronics and cars, by giving an impression of poor maintenance.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited 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.
