the mange
A mite skin disease in dogs and stock, or anything looking that ragged.
Also called mange, mangy.
Updated September 24, 2026
the mange pronunciation
/thuh MAYNJ/
Meaning
Farm and hunting folks say the mange for the itchy mite sickness that strips hair off dogs, foxes, and livestock. Country talk likes the definite article, same as the measles or the sugar. Folks also stretch it for anything patchy and run-down, like a lawn mower "eat up with the mange" or a recliner that looks half dead.
How folks use it
- “That old dog's got the mange again. Better haul him to the vet.”
- “Your lawn mower looks like it got eat up with the mange.”
Origin and etymology
From Middle English and Old French roots tied to itch and eating at the skin. Veterinary English named the mite disease mange. Rural Southern and Appalachian speech kept "the" on it, and used the look as a joke for shabby gear and furniture.
Frequently asked questions
Can people get the mange?
The animal disease is mite-based. Humans get a related itch called scabies. Around the porch, though, "the mange" usually means a mangy dog or something looking just as sorry.