Origin of the word
Scrappage derives from the verb scrap, meaning to dispose of something, which itself is derived from the much older noun scrap. Scrap came from Middle English ‘scrappe’ and Old Norse ‘skrap’ meaning scrape or scratch. The earliest use of the verb is from the early 20th century.
Examples
Scrappage refers to the process of scrapping a redundant or disused mechanical item in exchange for compensation. It is predominantly used in the context of the disposal of automobiles. A scrappage scheme is a type of government programme in which owners of vehicles are offered a financial reward for replacing old or neglected vehicles with more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly ones.
The car manufacturer Ford has announced a scheme incentivizing UK car owners to scrap their older petrol and diesel cars. Ford join Vauxhall and BMW in their bid to remove dirtier vehicles from Britain’s roads. The scrappage scheme means that, for any vehicle with a registration date before 2009, Ford is offering a minimum of £2,000. Eligible consumers will be offered money off new Ford models in an effort to reduce the impact of polluting cars on air quality as part of the incentive.
Definition
The process of paying people compensation when they get rid of a polluting vehicle.
View the full definition in the Macmillan Dictionary.
