Rag, tag and bobtail

Definitions

• a miscellaneous group of people or things
  To refer to a disorganized or motley assortment of individuals or items

• a group of people of lower social status
  To describe a group of people who are seen as being of little importance or of a lower class

Examples of Rag, tag and bobtail

• The used clothes and scraps being sold by the vendor on the roadside were just a rag, tag, and bobtail collection.

  This idiom is used to describe a collection that is incomplete or of questionable value. The phrase "rag, tag, and bobtail" originated in 18th-century British slang and referred to a worthless or inferior item. In this example, the used clothes and scraps being sold might not be of high quality, and the vendor might be struggling to make a sale.

• The police officer stopped the driver and asked him to step out of the car, as the thorough inspection might reveal some rag, tag, and bobtail items that could violate the traffic rules.

  This idiom is used to describe something that is insignificant or inconsequential, but which might still be found during a detailed investigation or examination. It could also refer to a minor violation or infraction of the law, which might not be immediately apparent, but which could be discovered upon closer inspection.

• The student's final exam paper was filled with rag, tag, and bobtail answers, as the timer had already run out, and he had not completed the questions.

  This idiom is used to describe incomplete or careless answers to a test or exam, which might not be enough to earn a passing grade. It could also refer to an answer that is misleading, incorrect, or irrelevant, which might not be immediately apparent, but which could be discovered upon closer inspection.

• The movie script had some rag, tag, and bobtail scenes that needed to be revised, as they did not fit well into the overall narrative.

  This idiom is used to describe a scene or sequence in a movie, play, or other artistic work that is insignificant, irrelevant, or poorly written. It could also refer to a scene that does not contribute much to the story, Theme, or character development, and which needs to be revised or removed from the final production.

• Tom's treehouse is a rag, tag, and bobtail affair.

  This means that Tom's treehouse is a hastily constructed and makeshift structure, put together in a haphazard and crude manner, using whatever materials were available at the time. The phrase "rag, tag, and bobtail" connotes something that is rough and unrefined, and in this case, it's being used to describe the treehouse's appearance and construction.

• The band's new album is a rag, tag, and bobtail masterpiece.

  This is a humorous way of describing an album that may not have received critical acclaim or be considered a classic, but rather something that is still enjoyable and worthwhile, despite its imperfections. The phrase "rag, tag, and bobtail" here is being used figuratively to justify its distinction as an unconventional, perhaps even unpolished, artistic product.

• She's the rag, tag, and bobtail of the class.

  This is a derogatory way of describing someone as being unremarkable, average, or even underneath par in terms of their academic performance or overall class standing. The phrase is being used to suggest that the individual in question is below-average and undeserving of recognition or praise, and is instead considered a mediocre or forgettable figure.

• The party was a rag, tag, and bobtail success.

  This is a humorous way of describing a gathering or event that did not necessarily go according to plan, but in spite of its flaws or shortcomings, still managed to succeed or achieve its intended goals. The phrase "rag, tag, and bobtail" here is being used to celebrate its uniqueness and the resourcefulness required to make an imperfect event a success.

Conclusion

The idiom "rag, tag and bobtail" is used to describe a diverse and disorganized group of people or things. It can also be used to refer to a group of people of lower social status, often in a derogatory manner. Overall, the idiom is used to express a sense of disorder or lack of cohesion within a group.

Origin of "Rag, tag and bobtail"

The origin of the idiom "rag, tag and bobtail" can be traced back to the 17th century, where "rag" referred to torn or tattered clothing, "tag" referred to the loose ends of fabric, and "bobtail" referred to a horse with a docked tail. The combination of these words was used metaphorically to describe a group of people or things that were disorganized and of little value.

The idiom has been used in literature and conversation over the centuries to convey a sense of disorder or lack of cohesion within a group. It is often used in a derogatory manner to belittle or dismiss a group of people. Examples of its usage can be found in various works of literature, where it is used to describe characters or groups of characters who are seen as being disorganized or of little importance.