Being fly is all about having that effortless cool factor. It’s the guy who walks into a room and everyone stares because he has an aura of confidence around him. But what happens when a guy thinks he’s fly, but in reality, comes off as a scrub?
A scrub is someone who tries too hard to be something they’re not. They may wear flashy clothes or use slang terms incorrectly just to fit in with a certain crowd. Unfortunately, this behavior often leads to negative consequences, such as losing respect from peers or being seen as fake.
If you want to avoid becoming a scrub, it’s important to understand what behaviors contribute to this label. By learning how to be true to yourself while still exuding confidence, you can master the art of being truly fly without trying too hard.
“Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn.” – Orson Welles
In this post, we’ll explore some common traits of scrubs and offer tips on how to avoid them. Whether you’re looking to enhance your personal style or simply want to improve your social interactions, these insights will help you become more confident in yourself and less focused on fitting in with others.
So, let’s dive in and learn how to avoid being a scrub!
What exactly is a scrub?
The definition of a scrub
A scrub is typically defined as someone who is not successful or popular, and often lacks ambition. This person may have a low-paying job, drive an old car, and dress in inexpensive clothing.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a scrub is “a contemptible person” or “someone who is not worthy of respect.” While this term has been used for decades to describe individuals who lack financial success or social status, it has also become associated with a specific type of man.
Origins of the term “scrub”
The term “scrub” was originally used in the context of cleaning or rubbing to remove something from a surface. However, it started being used colloquially to describe someone who was useless, ineffective or very poor during the late seventies or early eighties.
In the nineties, it became more specifically associated with men who were unable to provide for themselves or their families. These men had no aspiration beyond asking women for money while boasting about their imaginary accomplishments. In music and pop culture of the time, these men came to be known as scrubs.
“I don’t want your number, I don’t wanna give you mine. I don’t wanna meet you nowhere, I don’t want none of your time”- Honey by Mariah Carey (1997)
This word gained popularity around that era because R&B group TLC released “No Scrubs” which exposed poverty-stricken men seeking out financially independent women but without offering anything back: “A scrub is a guy that can’t get no love/ From me hangin’ out the passenger side Of his best friend’s ride/ Trying to holler at me.”
While the song addressed men who don’t work or reach their potential and are often rejected by women, it also perpetuated negative stereotypes about black men.
Today, using a term such as “scrub” is considered derogatory and harmful towards people struggling financially, mental health-wise, physically, or otherwise.
While the meaning of the term “scrub” has evolved over time from being associated with financial success to its narrow concept of specifically male poverty, use of the word can be interpreted wrongly and rather unacceptable due to changing times and more understanding and inclusive society today. It’s best to avoid using terms that could harm someone’s self-esteem or dignity because everyone deserves respect regardless of their status in life.
The tell-tale signs of a scrub
You may have heard the term “scrub” used to describe someone who is not up to par with their hygiene, ambition or reliability. The truth is, scrubs are all around us and it’s important to be able to recognize the characteristics that define them.
Poor hygiene
One of the most obvious signs of a scrub is poor hygiene. This individual may smell bad, have greasy hair, or just generally not take care of their appearance. It’s not necessarily about having a fancy outfit or an expensive haircut, but more so about taking basic steps to ensure personal hygiene is maintained. A person who neglects their hygiene may seem lazy or simply careless, indicating that they don’t value themselves or their surroundings.
“Good grooming is integral and impeccable style is a must.” – Edward Enninful
Lack of ambition
A scrub is often someone who has no real goals or aspirations for their future. They may lack motivation and drive, leading them to remain stagnant in their current position in life. Someone without any clear objectives can come across as uninterested or unintelligent. Additionally, a lack of effort to improve one’s situation may imply a lack of self-worth and confidence.
“Ambition is enthusiasm with a purpose.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
Dependence on others
A scrub tends to rely heavily on others for support instead of working independently. Whether it’s financially or socially, they often look to friends or family members to bail them out when things get tough. While it’s okay to ask for help from time to time, consistently relying on others can suggest a lack of responsibility and inability to handle stress.
“I think that the greatest gift God ever gave man is not the gift of sight but the gift of vision. Sight is a function of the eyes, but vision is a function of the heart.” – Myles Munroe
Unreliability
A scrub may also be perceived as unreliable or inconsistent in their actions. They may make promises they can’t keep or let down those who depend on them. Being unable to follow through on obligations or commitments shows a lack of respect for others and their time. It suggests that the individual does not take responsibility for their own actions.
“The five steps in teaching an employee new skills are preparation, explanation, showing, observation and supervision.” – Bruce Barton
Being labeled as a “scrub” is not necessarily something to be proud of. By recognising these tell-tale signs, it’s possible to help individuals identify areas where they may need improvement. Additionally, by avoiding these habits ourselves, we give ourselves the best chance at success both personally and professionally.
How to avoid being a scrub in your relationships
A Scrub Is A Guy Who Thinks He’S Fly is a lyric from the TLC song No Scrubs. In the context of this article, it refers to someone who has negative behaviors and attitudes in their romantic relationships.
Communicate effectively
Effective communication is crucial for any healthy relationship. Communication involves expressing yourself honestly and listening attentively when your partner speaks. Sometimes, conflicts may arise, but effective communication will help resolve those issues.
Honesty is key. If something is bothering you or if you have any doubts about your partner, it’s best to communicate with them as soon as possible. This avoids any misunderstandings that can cause bigger problems later on. Also, make sure to listen actively to your partner without interrupting them. It shows that you value what they have to say and are willing to work things out together.
Set goals and work towards them
In every relationship, setting goals individually and as a couple helps both parties grow and stay motivated. Goals could be anything; from financial objectives to health targets to relational milestones, such as anniversaries or vacations shared between the two of you. When both parties set expectations for themselves, it creates a sense of direction and purpose while keeping each other accountable.
Working together towards common goals fosters intimacy and strengthens the bond between couples. By motivating each other to pursue their dreams, you create an environment where support, encouragement, and mutual respect thrive.
Be independent and self-sufficient
While some people believe that they need to give up their individuality and completely meld into their partners’ lives, the opposite should be true. Maintaining one’s independence and personal life within a relationship is essential. Being self-reliant and having autonomy fosters long-term happiness because each individual has its own unique identity.
Being independent enables you to contribute fully to the relationship—intellectually, emotionally—as both individuals explore their strengths and weaknesses. Doing things alone help strengthens your sense of self-worth, which creates a solid mental foundation for the relationship. An interdependence rather than dependence can make relationships stronger as two whole people coming together instead of two halves.
Respect your partner’s time and boundaries
An important aspect of healthy communication is providing space for your partner when necessary. Life is busy and full of commitments, and it’s essential to understand that your partner may need some personal or alone time once in a while; life outside any romantic relationship matters too.
The best way to show respect towards your partner’s time and boundaries, is by setting clear expectations. If there are specific times, dates, or activities that require attending, make sure to communicate that beforehand so they have an idea of what to expect. Respect also means leaving room for them to grow individually without feeling guilty about it. Give them support and be open-minded about new hobbies or interests they want to venture into solo.
Being a ‘scrub’ who thinks he’s fly does not go very far in relationships. Effective communication, mutual goal-setting, independence, and respecting your partners’ time and boundaries helps strengthen relationships. By applying these behaviors, couples establish trust, emotional intimacy, and build solid foundations to weather difficult times together. Remember that building meaningful connections requires effort on both sides – but it’s completely worth it.
Ways to level up your fashion game and avoid being a fashion scrub
Invest in quality basics
A scrub is a guy who thinks he’s fly, but he really just doesn’t have any sense of style. That’s why investing in quality basics is essential if you want to level up your fashion game.
Start by investing in high-quality items like classic denim jeans, plain white t-shirts, neutral-toned blazers, and black dress shoes that will never go out of style. These basic pieces will serve as the foundation for your wardrobe and can be mixed and matched with trendier items to create timeless looks.
“Fashion is what you buy, style is what you do with it.” -unknown
Experiment with different styles
If you’re tired of wearing the same old clothes every day, experimenting with different styles can help prevent you from looking like a fashion scrub. Try incorporating new textures, patterns, and colors into your outfits to keep things fresh and interesting.
Take inspiration from various sources such as celebrities, magazines, and social media influencers. But don’t blindly follow trends. Instead, find ways to incorporate them into your existing style while still staying true to yourself.
“Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are.” -Gianni Versace
Accessorize appropriately
Oversized watches, clunky necklaces, and excessive bling might look cool on some people, but they can also send the message that you’re trying too hard. Accessorizing appropriately means knowing when to add those finishing touches and when to leave them behind.
Simple accessories like leather belts, silk pocket squares, and minimalist bracelets can elevate your outfit without making it look over-the-top. Pay attention to color coordination and proportion when selecting accessories, and try to choose pieces that complement each other rather than clash.
“Accessories are like vitamins to fashion― as such, you should use them liberally.” -Anna Dello Russo
Pay attention to fit
No matter how stylish or expensive your clothes are, if they don’t fit properly, they will make you look sloppy and unkempt. A proper fit is crucial if you want to avoid looking like a fashion scrub.
Take the time to get measured by a professional tailor so that you know your exact measurements. When shopping for clothing, always try items on before purchasing them since sizes can vary among brands. Ensure that shirts fit comfortably around the waist and shoulders while pants have the appropriate length and taper.
“Style is primarily a matter of instinct.” -Bill Blass
Avoiding being a fashion scrub is more about knowing what works best for you than blindly following trends. Build a wardrobe of high-quality basics, experiment with different styles, accessorize appropriately, and pay attention to fit. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to dress confidently no matter where you go.
The importance of having confidence to avoid being a scrub
Have you ever come across someone who constantly seeks validation from others? They just can’t seem to make decisions on their own and always end up following the herd. These people are often referred to as ‘scrubs’ in modern day slang. “A scrub is a guy who thinks he’s fly,” according to the song by TLC.
If you want to avoid being labeled as a scrub, it’s crucial that you have self-confidence. The ability to believe in yourself and your abilities allows for independence and individuality – qualities that are highly valued today.
Believing in yourself and your abilities
A person with low self-esteem usually lacks the courage to step out of their comfort zone. They become too afraid to take risks and play it safe instead. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but when it comes to achieving success in any aspect of life, taking risks is necessary.
Believing in yourself increases your risk-taking capacity. Confidence helps you understand your capabilities and push beyond them, leading to personal growth. With each accomplishment, your self-belief strengthens, empowering you to achieve more.
“With confidence, you have won before you have started.” -Marcus Garvey
The belief in your ability carries over to different areas of life, such as athletics or academics. When athletes enter a competition with confidence, they perform better than those battling nerves. Similarly, students with confidence approach exams with a positive attitude, resulting in higher grades.
Being comfortable in your own skin
Insecurities are often masked by negativity and arrogance, preventing individuals from accepting themselves for who they are. Being comfortable with oneself involves identifying one’s flaws and embracing them without allowing judgemental opinions to affect one’s self-worth.
Embracing your true self isn’t easy, but it leads to authentic connections with others and a more fulfilling life. A confident individual stands out in social situations and attracts like-minded individuals.
“Believe in yourself, take on your challenges, dig deep within yourself to conquer fears. Never let anyone bring you down. You got this.” -Chantal Sutherland
Not seeking validation from others
The need for constant affirmation is often associated with insecurity – the feeling that one doesn’t meet society’s expectations or personal standards. Seeking validation from others can lead to anxiety and makes us reliant on external sources of gratification. This could hold you back from achieving your goals as people won’t always see things the way you do.
Instead, if judgment isn’t motivating, evaluate your situation with kindness and compassion. Do not fear criticism or rejection; instead, learn from feedback and use it constructively. Self-validation and awareness enhance independence and help avoid becoming too dependent on external variables.
“Your relationship with yourself sets the tone for every other relationship you have.” -Robert Holden
Embracing your flaws and imperfections
If perfection exists, then we will never be able to achieve it. It’s essential to acknowledge our flaws, which are qualities that make us human beings. Accepting imperfection is an important step towards building self-confidence.
An individual who embraces their flaws exudes authenticity and honesty. When we embrace our shortcomings without allowing them to define who we are, we become comfortable with ourselves. We build resilience that allows us to better adapt to various situations in life.
“Our strength grows out of our weaknesses.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Self-confidence is essential in life for achieving success and avoiding being labeled as a scrub. Believing in oneself, embracing flaws and imperfections, being comfortable with who you are, and not relying on validation from others helps individuals stand out as unique people. “A scrub is a guy that can’t get no love from me,” sang TLC. Let’s avoid being scrubs!