Scratch vs. Nick — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 1, 2024
A scratch is a shallow cut or mark on a surface, often caused by something sharp, while a nick is a small notch or cut, typically more precise and defined than a scratch.
Difference Between Scratch and Nick
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A scratch usually appears as a long, thin mark on a surface, suggesting a surface-level abrasion that doesn't deeply penetrate the material. It's often the result of accidental contact with something sharp or abrasive. A nick, conversely, is a small cut that might be deeper than a scratch but is limited in length and width, implying a more precise or accidental impact with a sharp object.
Scratches can occur on a variety of surfaces, including skin, wood, metal, and glass, often covering a larger area but with less depth. They can result from a wide range of actions, such as brushing against a rough surface or the claws of an animal. Nicks are more commonly associated with precise or sharp impacts, such as those from knives, scissors, or other tools, and are often found on edges or surfaces of objects where a small portion has been cut or sliced away.
In terms of visibility and repair, scratches, especially superficial ones, can sometimes be buffed out or minimized with various polishing methods, depending on the material. Nicks, due to their nature, might require filling or more specific repair techniques to restore the original appearance of the object, especially if the material has been removed or the damage is deeper.
Both scratches and nicks can affect the aesthetic and functional aspects of an object, potentially decreasing its value or utility. However, their impact can vary greatly depending on the severity, location, and the object itself. For example, a scratch on a car’s paint job might be considered more significant in terms of appearance and value than a nick on the handle of a well-used tool.
The prevention of both scratches and nicks involves protective measures, such as using cases or covers for devices, careful handling of sharp objects, and maintaining a clean environment to minimize contact with abrasive particles that could cause damage.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A shallow cut or abrasion on a surface.
A small, precise cut or notch.
Appearance
Long, thin mark, often superficial.
Small, defined cut, possibly deeper.
Causes
Accidental contact with sharp or rough objects.
Precise impact with sharp tools or objects.
Surface
Can occur on various surfaces.
Often found on edges or precise areas.
Repair
Can sometimes be buffed out or minimized.
May require filling or specific repairs.
Prevention
Protective measures, careful handling.
Careful use of tools, protective equipment.
Compare with Definitions
Scratch
Surface abrasion.
The cat left a scratch on the leather sofa.
Nick
Often related to tools or fine objects.
The jeweler inspected the ring for any nicks before polishing.
Scratch
Aesthetic impact.
Scratches on the wooden floor affected its overall appearance.
Nick
Repair may involve filling.
The nick in the countertop was filled with a color-matched resin.
Scratch
Often caused by general wear.
The table top was full of scratches from daily use.
Nick
Small, precise damage.
He found a nick on the blade of his favorite knife.
Scratch
Can be polished out.
The scratch on the car’s hood was removed with a buffing compound.
Nick
Result of specific incidents.
The glass edge had a nick where it had been clipped by a metal tool.
Scratch
Varies in visibility.
Light scratches on the phone screen are visible under direct sunlight.
Nick
Limited to small areas.
A nick on the rim of the ceramic vase was barely noticeable.
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
Nick
Nick is a masculine given name. It is also often encountered as a short form (hypocorism) of the given names Nicholas, Nicola, Nicolas, Nikola, Nicolai or Nicodemus.
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
Nick
A small cut or notch
A small nick on his wrist
Scratch
Play a record using the scratch technique.
He raps and scratches simultaneously to dazzling effect
Nick
Prison
He'll end up in the nick for the rest of his life
Scratch
A mark or wound made by scratching
The scratches on her arm were throbbing
Nick
The junction between the floor and side walls in a squash court or real tennis court.
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
Nick
Make a nick or nicks in
He had nicked himself while shaving
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
Nick
Steal
She nicked fivers from the till
Scratch
Money
He was working to get some scratch together
Nick
Arrest (someone)
Stuart and Dan got nicked for burglary
Scratch
Assembled or made from whatever is available, and so unlikely to be of the highest quality
City were fielding a scratch squad
Nick
Go quickly or surreptitiously
They nicked across the road
Scratch
(of a sports competitor or event) with no handicap given
He was a scratch player at many courses
Nick
A shallow notch, cut, or indentation on an edge or a surface
Nicks in the table.
Razor nicks on his chin.
Scratch
To make a thin shallow cut or mark on (a surface) with a sharp instrument.
Nick
Chiefly British Slang A prison or police station.
Scratch
To use the nails or claws to dig or scrape at.
Nick
(Printing) A groove down the side of a piece of type used to ensure that it is correctly placed.
Scratch
To rub or scrape (the skin) to relieve itching.
Nick
To cut a nick or notch in.
Scratch
To scrape or strike on an abrasive surface.
Nick
To cut into and wound slightly
A sliver of glass nicked my hand.
Scratch
To write or draw (something) by scraping a surface
Scratched their initials on a rock.
Nick
To cut short; check
Nicked an impulse to flee.
Scratch
To write or draw hurriedly
Scratched off a thank-you note.
Nick
(Slang) To cheat, especially by overcharging.
Scratch
To strike out or cancel (a word, for example) by or as if by drawing lines through.
Nick
To steal.
Scratch
(Slang) To cancel (a project or program, for example).
Nick
To arrest.
Scratch
To withdraw (an entry) from a contest or competition
The jockey decided to scratch the horse when it sprained its ankle.
Nick
A small cut in a surface.
Scratch
To withdraw an entry from (a contest or competition)
Having won three races already, the swimmer scratched her final event.
Nick
A particular place or point considered as marked by a nick; the exact point or critical moment.
In the nick of time
Scratch
To use the nails or claws to dig, scrape, or wound.
Nick
A notch cut crosswise in the shank of a type, to assist a compositor in placing it properly in the stick, and in distribution.
Scratch
To rub or scrape the skin to relieve itching.
Nick
Senses connoting something small.
Scratch
To make a harsh scraping sound.
Nick
(cricket) A small deflection of the ball off the edge of the bat, often going to the wicket-keeper for a catch.
Scratch
To gather funds or produce a living with difficulty.
Nick
(genetics) One of the single-stranded DNA segments produced during nick translation.
Scratch
To withdraw from a contest or competition.
Nick
The point where the wall of the court meets the floor.
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.
Nick
Often in the expressions in bad nick and in good nick: condition, state.
The car I bought was cheap and in good nick.
Scratch
A mark resembling a line that is produced by scratching.
Nick
A police station or prison.
He was arrested and taken down to Sun Hill nick [police station] to be charged.
He’s just been released from Shadwell nick [prison] after doing ten years for attempted murder.
Scratch
A slight wound.
Nick
(Internet) nickname
A user’s reserved nick on an IRC network
Scratch
A hasty scribble.
Nick
(archaic) A nix or water]] spirit.
Scratch
A sound made by scratching.
Nick
(transitive) To make a nick or notch in; to cut or scratch in a minor way.
I nicked myself while I was shaving.
Scratch
(Sports) The starting line for a race.
Nick
(transitive) To make ragged or uneven, as by cutting nicks or notches in; to deface, to mar.
Scratch
A contestant who has been withdrawn from a competition.
Nick
To make a crosscut or cuts on the underside of (the tail of a horse, in order to make the animal carry it higher).
Scratch
The act of scratching in billiards.
Nick
To fit into or suit, as by a correspondence of nicks; to tally with.
Scratch
A fluke or chance shot in billiards.
Nick
To hit at, or in, the nick; to touch rightly; to strike at the precise point or time.
Scratch
Poultry feed.
Nick
To hit the ball with the edge of the bat and produce a fine deflection.
Scratch
(Slang) Money.
Nick
To throw or turn up (a number when playing dice); to hit upon.
Scratch
Done haphazardly or by chance.
Nick
To make a cut at the side of the face.
Scratch
Assembled hastily or at random.
Nick
To steal.
Scratch
(Sports) Having no golf handicap.
Nick
To arrest.
The police nicked him climbing over the fence of the house he’d broken into.
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?
Nick
To give or call (someone) by a nickname; to style.
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.
Nick
An evil spirit of the waters.
Scratch
To irritate someone's skin with one's unshaven beard when kissing.
Nick
A notch cut into something
Scratch
To mark a surface with a sharp object, thereby leaving a scratch (noun).
A real diamond can easily scratch a pane of glass.
Nick
A broken or indented place in any edge or surface; as, nicks in a china plate; a nick in the table top.
Scratch
(of a surface) to get such scratches
This platter scratches easily.
Nick
A particular point or place considered as marked by a nick; the exact point or critical moment.
To cut it off in the very nick.
This nick of time is the critical occasion for the gaining of a point.
Scratch
To cross out, strike out, strike through some text on a page.
Nick
To make a nick or nicks in; to notch; to keep count of or upon by nicks; as, to nick a stick, tally, etc.
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.
Nick
To mar; to deface; to make ragged, as by cutting nicks or notches in; to create a nick{2} in, deliberately or accidentally; as, to nick the rim of a teacup.
And thence proceed to nicking sashes.
The itch of his affection should not thenHave nicked his captainship.
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).
Nick
To suit or fit into, as by a correspondence of nicks; to tally with.
Words nicking and resembling one another are applicable to different significations.
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.
Nick
To hit at, or in, the nick; to touch rightly; to strike at the precise point or time.
The just season of doing things must be nicked, and all accidents improved.
Scratch
To score, not by skillful play but by some fortunate chance of the game.
Nick
To make a cross cut or cuts on the under side of (the tail of a horse, in order to make him carry it higher).
Scratch
To write or draw hastily or awkwardly; scrawl.
Nick
To nickname; to style.
For Warbeck, as you nick him, came to me.
Scratch
(ambitransitive) To dig or excavate with the claws.
Some animals scratch holes, in which they burrow.
Nick
An impression in a surface (as made by a blow)
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.
Nick
A small cut
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.
Nick
Cut slightly, with a razor;
The barber's knife nicked his cheek
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.
Nick
Cut a nick into
Scratch
An act of scratching the skin to alleviate an itch or irritation.
The dog sat up and had a good scratch.
Nick
Divide or reset the tail muscles of;
Nick horses
Scratch
(sports)
Nick
Mate successfully; of livestock
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 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
Are nicks easier to repair than scratches?
It depends on the material and the extent of the damage. Nicks may require specific fillers, while scratches might be buffed out.
Do scratches and nicks affect all materials similarly?
No, different materials react differently to damage. For example, metal may show both scratches and nicks prominently, while leather might hide scratches well but display nicks more clearly.
Do scratches on cars always require professional repair?
Not always. Light scratches may be treated with DIY methods like polishing compounds, but deeper damage might need professional attention.
What's the best way to treat a scratch on skin?
Clean the area gently with soap and water, apply an antibacterial ointment, and cover with a bandage if necessary.
Can scratches become nicks if they are deep enough?
While a deep scratch might resemble a nick, nicks are generally defined by their small size and precision rather than depth alone.
How can I prevent scratches and nicks on my furniture?
Use protective covers, avoid placing sharp objects directly on surfaces, and maintain a clean environment to minimize abrasive particles.
Is it possible to completely remove a scratch or nick from a surface?
While many scratches and some nicks can be minimized or repaired, complete removal depends on the damage's depth and the material's nature.
Can a nick affect the functionality of a tool?
Yes, especially if it’s on a critical part like the edge of a blade, affecting its cutting ability.
Are there any products specifically designed to hide scratches and nicks?
Yes, there are various fillers, markers, and repair kits tailored for different materials and types of damage.
Why do some people leave scratches and nicks unrepaired?
In some cases, they add character or are deemed too minor to warrant the cost or effort of repair.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
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.
