Scrub vs. Legit — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 8, 2024
Scrub refers to someone considered inferior in skill or status, while legit means genuine or conforming to established standards.
Difference Between Scrub and Legit
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Scrub is commonly used in gaming and sports contexts to describe a player who is viewed as having inferior skills or is not competitive; whereas legit is a slang term that stands for legitimate, often used to affirm the authenticity or quality of something or someone.
In common usage, scrub implies a lack of ability or effectiveness in a specific area, often in a derogatory manner; on the other hand, legit confirms that something meets the expected standards and is not fraudulent or deceptive.
Scrub can also mean to clean something by rubbing hard, often to remove dirt or grime, while legit, in its conventional usage, does not pertain to cleaning but to legality and conformity.
As a verb, scrub involves physical action to clean or erase something, such as data or files; whereas legit does not function as a verb and is used primarily as an adjective.
While scrub can be used both as a noun and a verb in various contexts, legit remains predominantly an adjective, emphasizing its descriptive nature in language use.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A person with inferior skill; to clean by rubbing
Genuine; conforming to established standards
Usage Contexts
Gaming, sports, cleaning
Validation of authenticity or quality
Connotations
Often derogatory
Positive, affirming
Part of Speech
Noun, verb
Adjective
Typical Associations
Incompetence, ineffectiveness
Authenticity, reliability
Compare with Definitions
Scrub
Cancel or postpone (an event) indefinitely.
The mission was scrubbed due to bad weather.
Legit
Reasonable or acceptable.
It's a legit concern that he raised during the meeting.
Scrub
A person regarded as having little skill or significance in a specific sphere.
He was considered a scrub on the basketball team because he rarely scored.
Legit
Excellent or first-rate.
That concert was legit the best I've ever attended.
Scrub
A shrub or low tree that typically grows in poor soil.
The landscape was dotted with scrub that provided minimal shade.
Legit
Authentic or genuine.
She showed us her legit ID to prove her age.
Scrub
Casual, comfortable clothing worn by medical staff.
The surgeons changed into their scrubs before the operation.
Legit
Accurate or true.
The rumors turned out to be legit.
Scrub
Clean something by rubbing it hard, often with an abrasive or detergent.
She had to scrub the floor to remove the stubborn stains.
Legit
Conforming to the laws or to rules.
Their business operations are completely legit.
Scrub
To rub hard in order to clean
Scrubbed the floor.
Legit
Legitimate.
Scrub
To remove (dirt or stains) by hard rubbing.
Legit
A legitimate; a legitimate actor.
Scrub
To remove impurities from (a gas) chemically.
Legit
(slang) A legitimate child.
Scrub
To maintain the integrity of by finding and correcting errors
Software that automatically scrubs stored data.
Legit
(informal) Legitimate; legal; allowed by the rules; valid.
Scrub
To erase in such a way as to render unrecoverable
Scrubbed the laptop's hard drive to destroy incriminating evidence.
Legit
(video games) Not using cheats.
Did you see how fast that person was moving? I don't think they're legit.
Scrub
(Slang) To cancel or abandon; drop
We had to scrub our plans for vacation.
Legit
Genuine, actual, literal or honest.
Scrub
To clean or wash something by hard rubbing
Don't forget to scrub behind your ears.
Legit
(slang) Genuinely good and possessing all the required or expected qualities; the real deal.
I checked out her portfolio. She's legit.
Scrub
The act or an instance of scrubbing.
Legit
(slang) Cool by virtue of being genuine.
Scrub
A preparation or product used in scrubbing.
Legit
(informal) Legitimately; within the law.
Scrub
Vegetation consisting chiefly of shrubs and small trees.
Legit
(slang) Honestly; truly; seriously.
He legit thinks he can pass the test on zero sleep.
That legit scared the hell out of me.
Scrub
An area covered with such vegetation; shrubland.
Scrub
A domestic animal that is feral or not purebred.
Scrub
(Slang) A contemptible or incompetent person.
Scrub
(Sports) A player not on the varsity or first team.
Scrub
Mean; dirty; contemptible; scrubby.
Scrub
One who labors hard and lives meanly; a mean fellow.
Scrub
One who is incompetent or unable to complete easy tasks.
What a scrub! Instead of washing the dishes she put the used food on her face!
Scrub
A thicket or jungle, often specified by the name of the prevailing plant
Oak scrub
Scrub
One of the common livestock of a region of no particular breed or not of pure breed, especially when inferior in size, etc. Often used to refer to male animals unsuited for breeding.
Scrub
Vegetation of inferior quality, though sometimes thick and impenetrable, growing in poor soil or in sand; also, brush.
Scrub
One not on the first team of players; a substitute.
Scrub
Informal attire or dress code; morning dress
Scrub
An instance of scrubbing.
Scrub
A cancellation.
Scrub
A worn-out brush.
Scrub
One who scrubs.
Scrub
That which scrubs.
Scrub
An exfoliant for the body.
Scrub
Clothing worn while performing surgery.
Scrub
Any medical uniform consisting of a short-sleeved shirt and pants (trousers).
Scrub
(transitive) To rub hard; to wash with rubbing; usually, to rub with a wet brush, or with something coarse or rough, for the purpose of cleaning or brightening
To scrub a floor
To scrub your fingernails
Scrub
(intransitive) To rub anything hard, especially with a wet brush; to scour
Scrub
To be diligent and penurious
To scrub hard for a living
Scrub
(transitive) To call off a scheduled event; to cancel.
Engineers had to scrub the satellite launch due to bad weather.
Scrub
To eliminate or to correct data from a set of records to bring it inline with other similar datasets
The street segment data from the National Post Office will need to be scrubbed before it can be integrated into our system.
Scrub
(audio) To move a recording tape back and forth with a scrubbing motion to produce a scratching sound, or to do so by a similar use of a control on an editing system.
Scrub
To maneuver the play position on a media editing system by using a scroll bar or touch-based interface.
Scrub
To rub hard; to wash with rubbing; usually, to rub with a wet brush, or with something coarse or rough, for the purpose of cleaning or brightening; as, to scrub a floor, a doorplate.
Scrub
To rub anything hard, especially with a wet brush; to scour; hence, to be diligent and penurious; as, to scrub hard for a living.
Scrub
One who labors hard and lives meanly; a mean fellow.
We should go there in as proper a manner as possible; nor altogether like the scrubs about us.
Scrub
Something small and mean.
Scrub
A worn-out brush.
Scrub
A thicket or jungle, often specified by the name of the prevailing plant; as, oak scrub, palmetto scrub, etc.
Scrub
One of the common live stock of a region of no particular breed or not of pure breed, esp. when inferior in size, etc.
Scrub
Vegetation of inferior quality, though sometimes thick and impenetrable, growing in poor soil or in sand; also, brush; - called also scrub brush. See Brush, above.
Scrub
A low, straggling tree of inferior quality.
Scrub
Mean; dirty; contemptible; scrubby.
How solitary, how scrub, does this town look!
No little scrub joint shall come on my board.
Scrub
Dense vegetation consisting of stunted trees or bushes
Scrub
The act of cleaning a surface by rubbing it with a brush and soap and water
Scrub
Clean with hard rubbing;
She scrubbed his back
Scrub
Wash thoroughly;
Surgeons must scrub prior to an operation
Scrub
(of domestic animals) not selectively bred
Common Curiosities
What does "scrub" mean in gaming?
In gaming, scrub refers to a player who is perceived to have poor skills or who does not play competitively.
What is the origin of "scrub" as a derogatory term?
It likely evolved from describing someone who works hard but remains in a low or insignificant position, akin to "scrubbing" floors.
Is "scrub" always used negatively?
While often used negatively, "scrub" can also simply describe someone of lesser rank or status without negative intent.
How do I explain "scrub" to someone not familiar with slang?
You could describe it as a term for someone who is considered insignificant or unskilled, particularly in sports or video games.
What differentiates "legit" from simply "legal"?
"Legit" encompasses legality but also includes aspects of authenticity and reliability beyond just adherence to law.
Can "legit" be used to describe someone's skills?
Yes, describing someone's skills as legit means they are genuinely skilled and competent.
Is "scrub" used differently in different English-speaking regions?
Yes, its usage and connotations can vary, particularly between North American and British contexts.
Does "legit" have an informal usage?
Yes, in informal contexts, "legit" is often used to express approval or confirmation, like saying "seriously" or "really."
Can "scrub" be used as a compliment?
It is uncommon, but in some contexts, like cleaning, being a good "scrub" might be seen as positive.
How can I use "legit" in a sentence to describe a product?
You could say, "This product is legit; it works exactly as advertised."
How can I use "legit" to describe a feeling or experience?
You can use it to affirm the intensity or truthfulness of an experience, like "That fear was legit."
What is the most common misconception about the term "scrub"?
The most common misconception is that it only has negative connotations; it can also refer neutrally to low-growing vegetation or casual attire in specific contexts.
What makes something "legit" in everyday language?
Something is "legit" if it is genuine, reliable, and universally recognized as meeting standards or expectations.
Are there professions where being a "scrub" is acceptable?
Yes, in the medical field, "scrubs" are garments worn by staff, so in this context, being "in scrubs" is not only acceptable but required.
Can I use "legit" in formal writing?
It's best used in informal contexts, although it is becoming more accepted in casual business communications.
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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.
