Mussed

The word 'mussed' describes a state of being untidy, disarranged, or rumpled. It often refers to the appearance of hair, clothing, or surfaces that have lost their neatness or order. The action of mussing can be intentional, such as in the playful mussing of a child's hair, or unintentional, such as from sleeping or rough handling. The degree of messiness implied by 'mussed' can range from a slight disarray to a considerable state of untidiness. It often suggests a lack of care or effort in maintaining a neat appearance, yet it can also convey a sense of casualness or approachability. It's the opposite of 'immaculate' or 'pristine' and frequently indicates a natural or lived-in look. The word evokes imagery of wrinkled fabrics, tousled hair, and a generally unkempt state.

Mussed meaning with examples

• She ran her fingers through her hair, leaving it slightly mussed, a look she preferred for casual outings. The gentle breeze constantly mussed her long locks, giving her a carefree appearance. Before heading out for a casual lunch, she quickly glanced in the mirror and decided the 'mussed' hairstyle suited her more than a structured updo. After the roller coaster ride, her perfectly styled hair was thoroughly mussed, but she didn't mind; the thrill had been worth it.
• The children, after a lively afternoon of play, returned home with their clothes mussed and their faces flushed. The delivery man left the package, the boxes inside were slightly mussed from the journey across the town. The bedsheets were mussed from a night of restless sleep and a quick tidy of the room before leaving. The pages of the book, though in good condition, were mussed from multiple readings and notes.
• He glanced at his reflection in the window. His tie was askew and his shirt was a bit mussed from leaning back in his chair. A good night of drinking had left his normally well-groomed beard mussed and untidy. He quickly wiped the sweat from his brow, which immediately caused his hair to become mussed. He hated feeling that his outfit was mussed, it made him feel self-conscious.
• The antique shop, though generally well-kept, had a charmingly mussed quality, with items seemingly arranged organically rather than with perfect precision. The garden, after a night of heavy rain and wind, presented a scene of mussed flowers and fallen leaves. The art exhibition, while containing breathtaking masterpieces, gave an atmosphere that was purposefully mussed, offering a more approachable feel. Her travel bag was slightly mussed and bulging with souvenirs, demonstrating her love for her past travels.