Definition of the word scram

The word "scram" is thought to have originated in the late 19th century, specifically in the United States. Its exact origin is uncertain, with a few possible theories. One popular theory suggests that "scram" is a contractions of the phrase "scatter, ram, and cram," which would have been shouted to distribute food quickly and jumbledly at a worker's mealtime. This theory explains the verbs' meaning of moving quickly and without order, which is also characteristic of the usage of the adjective "scramble" to describe a disordered and confused situation. Another theory links the word "scram" specifically to scrambled eggs, which were touted as a health food in the late 19th century. A related term, "scramble eggs," was already in use at the time to describe the disordered-looking results of cooking eggs in such a way as to blend the whites and yolks. The word "scram" could have arisen from a shortening of "scramble eggs," which would have indicated the act of making this dish. Lastly, some linguists suggest that "scram" could simply stem from other words meaning to move quickly or confusingly, such as the old English word "scramman," which meant to rush or flutter. This would indicate that the word's exact origin remains obscured by its possible derivations from various other historical terms. Regardless, "scram" has come to mean many things in modern slang, from exhortations to move quickly ("Let's scram!") to expressions of annoyance ("Scram, will ya?"). Its etymology, like its usage, is varied and complex, reflecting the many ways in which language can evolve over time.