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Scratch

Scratch may refer to various concepts and uses across different fields. For the visual programming language and online community developed by MIT, see Science and technology: Visual programming language. Other meanings include techniques in audio and music, medical and scientific applications, elements in arts and entertainment, sports and games, and idiomatic or everyday expressions.

Science and technology

Visual programming language

Scratch is a block-based visual programming language and online community designed to introduce children aged 8 to 16 to computational thinking and creative coding. Developed by the Lifelong Kindergarten research group at the MIT Media Lab under the leadership of Mitchel Resnick, it was first released as Scratch 1.0 on May 15, 2007, building on earlier inspirations from Logo programming to make coding accessible without text-based syntax.) The platform emphasizes playful learning, allowing users to create interactive media projects such as games, stories, and animations through a drag-and-drop interface.^[1] Core to Scratch's design is its visual scripting system, where users assemble colorful blocks representing code commands to control sprites (characters or objects) and backdrops on a stage. These blocks snap together like puzzle pieces, covering categories such as motion, looks, sound, events, control, sensing, operators, and variables, preventing syntax errors common in text-based languages. The editor supports importing multimedia assets, cloning sprites for dynamic behaviors, and integrating extensions for hardware like LEGO Mindstorms robotics or music sensors, enabling physical computing projects. This approach fosters experimentation and iteration, with projects remixable to encourage collaboration.^[1] The Scratch online platform at scratch.mit.edu hosts a global community where users share, remix, and discuss projects, with over 164 million shared projects and 135 million registered users as of November 2025.^[2] Widely adopted in schools and informal education settings worldwide, it teaches concepts like sequencing, looping, and conditionals to promote computational thinking and digital literacy, with research showing improved problem-solving skills among young learners. In 2025, updates introduced AI-assisted features, including the AI-powered Face Sensing extension for interactive face-based projects, experimental blocks that interpret natural language prompts to generate code suggestions, and an AI Creative Learning Assistant for debugging and idea generation, alongside enhanced accessibility options such as text-to-speech for code narration and improved screen reader compatibility. The Scratch Team is also developing Scratch 4.0, with deeper AI integration for creative workflows.^[3]^[4] Scratch's evolution includes major releases: version 2.0 on May 9, 2013, which added vector graphics, cloud variables, and webcam support for broader interactivity; and version 3.0 on January 2, 2019, transitioning to HTML5 for cross-platform compatibility, including mobile devices, while expanding the block palette and adding costume/video extensions. As of November 2025, the platform runs on Scratch 3.29.1 for the offline editor, with ongoing minor updates focusing on performance and security, but no official Scratch 4.0 release yet.^[5]^[6]^[7]

Audio scratching

Audio scratching is a DJ and turntablist technique that involves manually manipulating a vinyl record by moving it back and forth under the stylus of a phonograph turntable to generate rhythmic, percussive sounds. This motion produces a distinctive "scratch" effect, ranging from sharp stabs to continuous rhythms, which adds dynamic texture to music performances. The technique was pioneered in hip-hop culture by DJ Grand Wizzard Theodore, who discovered it in 1975 at age 12 while pausing a record to avoid his mother's scolding for loud playback, leading to rhythmic experimentation with the resulting sound.^[8]^[9] The practice emerged during Bronx block parties in the 1970s, where early hip-hop DJs extended drum breaks by isolating and repeating segments of records. Grandmaster Flash advanced scratching in the early 1980s by integrating it with cutting techniques, creating seamless loops that amplified rhythmic intensity and influenced the evolution of hip-hop production. Over decades, scratching diversified into subtypes like the baby scratch—a simple forward-and-back motion for basic rhythms; the chirp—a rapid, high-pitched scratch achieved by quick fader opens on forward pulls; and the tear—a dramatic backward drag followed by a fader cut for emphasis. These variations allow performers to craft complex patterns and emulate instruments.^[10]^[11]^[12] Traditional equipment for scratching includes direct-drive turntables, such as the Technics SL-1200 series, for stable speed control; a DJ mixer equipped with a crossfader to swiftly switch audio channels; and slipmats, which reduce friction between the record and platter for smoother manipulations. Modern digital tools, like Serato DJ software, replicate the technique using time-coded vinyl or specialized controllers, enabling scratch effects with digital files and expanding accessibility beyond physical records.^[13] Culturally, audio scratching forms the core of turntablism, an art form where DJs treat turntables as instruments, and it has been showcased in global competitions like the DMC World DJ Championships since 1985, drawing elite performers to battle with innovative routines. Its impact extends to electronic music genres, including techno and breakbeat, where scratching-inspired sound manipulation influences synthesis and sampling practices. In visual programming projects, such as those created with the Scratch platform, users occasionally incorporate scratching audio effects to enhance interactive sound design.^[14]^[15]^[16]

Medical diagnostics

The skin prick test, also known as the scratch test, is a diagnostic procedure used to identify IgE-mediated allergies by introducing a small amount of suspected allergen into the epidermis through a shallow prick or scratch on the skin, typically on the forearm or back.^[17] A drop of allergen extract is applied to the skin, followed by a puncture using a sterile lancet or needle at a 15° to 90° angle, with positive (histamine) and negative (saline) controls included to validate the response.^[18] The reaction is observed after 15 to 20 minutes for a wheal-and-flare response, where a wheal diameter at least 3 mm larger than the negative control indicates positivity, signifying type I hypersensitivity.^[17] This test is primarily applied to diagnose immediate allergic reactions to common environmental triggers, including inhalants such as pollen and pet dander, foods like nuts, and certain drugs or insect venoms.^[18] It aids in confirming clinical histories of conditions like allergic rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, and food allergies by detecting sensitization, though results must correlate with symptoms for accurate interpretation.^[17] Up to 50 allergens can be tested simultaneously in a single session, making it efficient for broad screening.^[18] The technique originated in the late 19th century when Charles Blackley developed early scratch tests in 1867 to investigate hay fever by abrading the skin and applying pollen, marking the first systematic approach to allergy diagnostics.^[19] It evolved in the 1920s with prick methods introduced by Lewis and Grant, and by the mid-20th century, standardized puncture devices and extracts were adopted, with organizations like the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) establishing protocols in the 1980s and 2000s for consistency in allergen potency and interpretation.^[17] Despite its utility, the skin prick test has limitations, including potential false positives from cross-reactivity (e.g., between pollens) or irritants, and false negatives due to allergen degradation, patient medications, or non-IgE mechanisms, with sensitivity and specificity varying by allergen (e.g., 87-94% for common inhalants).^[17] It is contraindicated in patients with severe eczema, widespread skin disease, or recent use of antihistamines and other interfering drugs, and alternatives like intradermal testing or blood IgE assays are recommended in such cases.^[18] Risks are generally low, with local itching or swelling common but resolving quickly, though rare systemic reactions like anaphylaxis can occur (<1 in 1,000,000 tests), necessitating administration in a supervised medical setting.^[17]

Material hardness testing

Material hardness testing through scratching resistance primarily relies on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, a qualitative ordinal scale ranging from 1 (talc, the softest) to 10 (diamond, the hardest). Developed by German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs in 1812, the scale assesses a mineral's relative resistance to scratching, where each reference mineral can scratch those of lower rank but not those of equal or higher rank.^[20]^[21] The testing procedure involves selecting a smooth, unscratched surface on the sample and attempting to scratch it with the edge or point of a known reference mineral from the scale, applied with firm, steady pressure to produce a visible groove. If a scratch appears, confirmed under magnification such as a hand lens, the sample's hardness is at or below that of the reference mineral; testing proceeds with successively harder references until no scratch occurs. For example, apatite (Mohs 5) will scratch calcite (Mohs 3) but not orthoclase (Mohs 6), indicating the sample's hardness lies between 5 and 6 if scratched by apatite but not by orthoclase.^[22] This method finds primary applications in geology for field identification of minerals, often combined with other properties like color and streak, and in gemology to classify and evaluate gems for durability during cutting and setting.^[23]^[20] Despite its utility, the Mohs scale has limitations, including subjectivity in visually interpreting faint scratches versus surface residue, which can lead to inconsistent results. It is also unsuitable for metals and industrial materials due to differences in deformation behavior, where quantitative methods like Vickers or Rockwell hardness tests are preferred for precise measurements.^[23]^[22] Modern variants include portable Mohs hardness kits with metal picks calibrated to the scale, enabling convenient field testing without reference mineral samples. For enhanced precision, some standardized procedures, such as ASTM C1895 for ceramics and high-strength materials, incorporate digital imaging systems to objectively evaluate and analyze scratch damage.^[24]^[25]

Arts, entertainment, and media

Fictional characters

In literature, Mr. Scratch appears as the Devil in Stephen Vincent Benét's short story "The Devil and Daniel Webster," published in 1936, where he is depicted as a suave, folkloric figure who makes a pact with a New Hampshire farmer named Jabez Stone, only to face opposition from the orator Daniel Webster in a trial by jury of American historical figures.^[26] The character embodies traditional New England folklore of the Devil, known colloquially as "Old Scratch," and the story has been adapted into a 1941 film directed by William Dieterle and a 1956 opera by Douglas Moore with libretto by Benét.^[27] In Marvel Comics, Nicholas Scratch is a powerful sorcerer and the son of Agatha Harkness, first appearing in Fantastic Four #185 in 1977, who leads the Salem's Seven—his children with supernatural abilities—and schemes against the Fantastic Four by attempting to conquer New Salem through demonic summonings and possessions.^[28] His backstory involves banishment to the Negative Zone after failed coups, followed by efforts to possess young mutant Franklin Richards to harness reality-altering powers, reflecting themes of infernal ambition and magical corruption. Scratch's abilities include advanced sorcery capable of illusion, teleportation, and demon invocation, often aligning him with demonic entities in the Marvel Universe. In the webcomic Homestuck by Andrew Hussie, Doc Scratch is a enigmatic, omniscient host and manipulator who serves the destructive entity Lord English, first introduced in 2009 as a white-suited figure residing on the planet LOFAF, guiding events across timelines with godlike prescience and subtle interventions. Modeled after a devilish archetype, Doc Scratch facilitates the "Scratch" mechanic—a reset device in the game's lore that reboots universes under dire conditions—while mentoring characters like Rose Lalonde and concealing his role in cosmic catastrophes through impeccable manners and billiards motifs.^[29] His character underscores themes of predestination and deception in the narrative.

Films and documentaries

Scratch is a 2001 documentary film directed and edited by Doug Pray that chronicles the evolution of hip-hop DJ culture and the technique of turntablism, from its origins in the South Bronx during the 1970s to its global influence in the early 2000s.^[30] The film traces the innovation of scratching records, pioneered by DJs like Grand Wizzard Theodore, and highlights how this practice transformed DJing from a supporting role in parties to a central element of hip-hop performance and composition.^[31] Pray's work premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2001, where it received acclaim for its energetic portrayal of underground artists and their contributions to music culture.^[32] The documentary features extensive interviews and live demonstrations from influential turntablists, including DJ Q-Bert, Mix Master Mike of the Beastie Boys, DJ Shadow, and Rob Swift, who discuss the technical and creative aspects of scratching as an art form.^[30] These segments showcase scratching techniques, such as the baby scratch and chirp, performed on turntables to manipulate sound loops and create rhythmic patterns, illustrating the skill required to elevate vinyl manipulation into a virtuoso performance.^[33] Through archival footage and personal stories, Scratch emphasizes the cultural significance of DJs in hip-hop's development, crediting them with inventing beats and fostering a competitive battle scene that pushed the boundaries of musical expression.^[34] Beyond the main feature, several short films titled Scratch have explored themes related to creation and disruption, often tying into literal or metaphorical "scratching" motifs. For instance, a 2024 short directed by Paul Amstone depicts a supernatural horror narrative where a demonic figure—evoking the folkloric "Old Scratch" nickname for the Devil—resurrects a man to perpetrate sins, blending urban legend elements with moral dilemmas in a low-budget indie style.^[35] Other shorts, such as the 2008 entry by an unspecified director, center on an art student's obsessive sketching and surveillance project, symbolizing the act of scratching ideas into reality through visual arts.^[36] These works, while less prominent, extend the thematic exploration of scratching as a disruptive creative force across genres.

Music techniques and concepts

Scratching is a DJ technique that creates rhythmic sounds by manually moving a vinyl record back and forth under the stylus of a turntable, effectively treating the record player as a percussive instrument.^[12] This manipulation produces distinctive audio effects, such as stutters and drags, which add texture and rhythm to music mixes. The core setup involves a direct-drive turntable like the Technics SL-1200, a cartridge and stylus capable of withstanding high tracking force, and a mixer with a crossfader to cut sound on and off rapidly.^[12] Key patterns include the transformer scratch, where the crossfader rapidly opens and closes during slow record strokes to mimic a robotic or stuttering effect, and the hydroplane, a faderless technique achieved by trembling the finger on the record edge to generate quick, stuttering breaks at around 30 per second.^[12]^[37] The technique originated in the Bronx hip-hop scene of the 1970s, credited to young DJ Grand Wizzard Theodore, who accidentally discovered it in 1975 while pausing a record to avoid his mother's scolding, leading to rhythmic back-and-forth motions.^[8] By 1977, Theodore debuted scratching publicly, integrating it into live performances and influencing early hip-hop DJs like Grandmaster Flash.^[11] It evolved from simple record pausing and cutting—pioneered by DJ Kool Herc in the early 1970s Bronx parties—into a performative element central to hip-hop.^[9] Over time, scratching developed into competitive battle formats, particularly in the 1990s and early 2000s, where DJs faced off in head-to-head routines emphasizing speed, creativity, and complexity.^[38] Events like the International Turntablist Federation (ITF) Championships, founded in 1998, elevated scratching to a judged sport, fostering global turntablist communities and innovations in technique.^[39] Turntablism emerged as the broader art form encompassing scratching, defined as the intentional manipulation of turntables, mixers, and records to compose original music and sound effects beyond mere mixing.^[10] It transformed DJing into a virtuosic performance skill, with practitioners like DJ Q-Bert advancing it through intricate routines.^[38] Related to this is beat juggling, a technique that combines scratching with sampling by rapidly switching and looping short beat segments across two turntables to create new rhythmic patterns and breakdowns.^[10] Originating from early hip-hop cutting practices, beat juggling requires precise timing and hand coordination, often performed in battles to build tension.^[40] In modern developments, digital scratching has expanded accessibility through MIDI controllers and software like Serato Scratch Live, introduced in 2004, which simulate vinyl manipulation using time-coded CDs or digital files.^[41] Devices such as Pioneer DJ's DDJ series, evolving since 2009, incorporate jog wheels and faders for tactile scratching without physical records, enabling portable performances.^[42] As of 2025, scratching influences genres like trap and EDM, where turntablists integrate it into hybrid sets—such as in EDM trap by artists like Thugli, who blend scratching with electronic beats for percussive flair.^[43]^[44]

Musical groups and albums

DJ Scratch, born Larry Addoms in Brooklyn, New York, is a Grammy Award-winning hip-hop DJ and producer celebrated for his pioneering scratching techniques that elevated turntablism within the genre. Emerging in the late 1980s, he served as the official DJ for the rap duo EPMD, contributing scratches and production to albums like Business as Usual (1990) and Business Never Personal (1992), which helped define East Coast hip-hop's sound during its golden era. His production work extends to high-profile tracks such as Busta Rhymes' "Gimme Some More" from E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event): The Final World Front (1998) and Missy Elliott's "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" from her debut album (1997), earning him a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance in 1999. In 2025, Scratch released the instrumental album The Score for 1984, inspired by the Miami Vice era and produced entirely by himself, which garnered critical praise for its nostalgic yet innovative beats and entered Grammy consideration for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.^[45]^[46] The Scratch is a Dublin-based Irish band formed in 2016, known for fusing Irish folk elements with rock and metal influences in an acoustic style that has built a strong following through viral performances and energetic live shows. Emerging from the remnants of the heavy metal band Red Enemy, they gained prominence after a 2017 busking session at the Rory Gallagher International Festival went viral. Their debut album Couldn't Give a Rats (2020) introduced their hybrid sound and reached number 9 on the Irish Albums Chart, while their second album Mind Yourself (2023), produced by James Vincent McMorrow, topped the Irish vinyl chart and was nominated for the Choice Music Prize. In November 2025, the band announced their third album Pull Like a Dog, set for release on March 13, 2026, via Sony Music Ireland and Music For Nations, accompanied by singles like "Pull Like a Dog." They have toured extensively in Europe, the US, and Australia as of 2025, including supporting Dropkick Murphys and performing at festivals such as Download Festival.^[47]^[48]^[49] Several notable albums bear the title "Scratch" or are prominently associated with it, spanning genres and showcasing diverse artistic visions. The Crusaders' Scratch (1974), a live jazz-funk recording captured at the Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles, exemplifies the band's improvisational prowess with its title track—a sprawling 9-minute instrumental led by Wilton Felder's soulful saxophone and Joe Sample's Fender Rhodes piano—alongside covers like "Eleanor Rigby" and originals such as "The Way We Was." Critically lauded for its infectious grooves and communal energy, the album reached number 46 on the Billboard 200 and has seen multiple reissues, including a 2024 Blue Note remaster that restored its vibrant live atmosphere for modern audiences.^[50]^[51] Peter Gabriel's second self-titled solo album, informally dubbed Scratch after its iconic Hipgnosis cover art depicting the singer being "scratched" by a metallic hand, was released in 1978 and marked a bold evolution in his post-Genesis career. Co-produced with Robert Fripp, it features eclectic art rock compositions like the minimalist "D.I.Y." and the atmospheric "Mother of Violence," co-written with Peter Hammill, blending experimental electronics with lyrical introspection. The album achieved commercial success, peaking at number 7 in the UK and number 22 in the US, and has been reissued extensively, with a 2023 Real World edition including Fripp's alternate mixes and B-sides that underscore its pioneering role in prog-rock's transition to new wave. Critics continue to praise its innovative production and emotional depth, cementing its status as a high-impact contribution to 1970s music.^[52]^[53] In reggae and dub, Lee "Scratch" Perry's Scratch and Company - Chapter 1 (1981), released under The Upsetters moniker, stands as a seminal work highlighting Perry's visionary production amid his Black Ark Studio era. The album compiles dub versions and collaborations with vocalists like Junior Murvin on "Bad Weed" and Dennis Brown on "Free Up the Weed," characterized by Perry's signature echo effects, tape loops, and psychedelic sound manipulations across 10 tracks that run about 40 minutes. Though initially overlooked upon release, it has gained cult reverence for its raw creativity and influence on dub's experimental wing, with a 2020 vinyl reissue by Doctor Bird Records featuring restored audio and liner notes that emphasize its role in Perry's prolific output. By 2025, the album's impact persists in remixes and tributes, underscoring Perry's legacy as a genre innovator.^[54]^[55]

Songs

Several songs titled "Scratch" or closely related variants have appeared across various music genres, often evoking themes of renewal, friction, or instrumental flair. These tracks span from instrumental surf rock to alternative rock explorations of loss and rebirth, as well as early hip-hop innovations in DJ techniques. "Scratching" by Crash Crew, released in 1984 on their self-titled debut album via Sugar Hill Records, stands as an early hip-hop instrumental that pioneered the integration of DJ scratching into rap music.^[56] The track, a cover adaptation of "Scratchin'" by The Magic Disco Machine, features rhythmic needle manipulations over a funky beat, exemplifying the group's role in Harlem's old-school scene during the genre's formative years.^[57] Clocking in at over five minutes, it highlights the Crash Crew's emphasis on turntablism as a core element of live performances and recordings.^[58] In the alternative rock realm, "Scratch" by Morphine appears on their 1995 album Yes, released by Rykodisc.^[59] The song's lyrics, penned by bassist Mark Sandman, reflect on personal downfall and starting anew—"I lost everything I had / I'm startin' over from scratch"—delivered in Sandman's signature baritone over a brooding arrangement.^[60] Morphine's unconventional lineup of two-string slide bass, drums, and saxophone lends the track a gritty, noir-like texture, with the slide bass evoking a scraping, restless quality that complements the theme. Running 3:13, it contributed to the album's critical acclaim for blending jazz, blues, and rock elements.^[61] The Surfaris' "Scratch," a 1964 surf rock instrumental from their album Hit City '64 on Decca Records, captures the era's high-energy beach sound with twangy guitar riffs and driving percussion.^[62] Written by Nokie Edwards and Gene Moles, the 2:20 track showcases the band's instrumental prowess, building on their earlier hit "Wipe Out" with fast-paced leads that mimic the urgency of wave-riding.^[63] As part of the surf revival wave, it exemplifies mid-1960s California garage rock's focus on reverb-heavy guitars and no-frills energy.^[64]

Visual and graphic arts

Scratch art, also known as crayon etching or sgraffito in craft contexts, involves applying multiple layers of colored wax crayons over a base layer on paper, followed by covering it with a dark layer such as black crayon or paint, and then scratching designs into the top layer to reveal the vibrant colors beneath for high-contrast effects. This accessible technique fosters creativity through subtraction and has been a staple in elementary school art education since the mid-20th century, particularly gaining popularity in American classrooms during the 1960s as part of hands-on craft activities promoting fine motor skills and color theory.^[65]^[66] In urban street art, graffiti scratching—often termed "scratchitti"—emerged as a form of etching or incising tags and designs directly onto hard surfaces like glass windows, metal panels, or subway cars using tools such as keys, nails, or diamonds, creating permanent, low-profile marks resistant to removal. This practice traces its roots to New York City in the late 1960s and early 1970s, where artists like those behind the prolific "PRAY" tags proliferated in public spaces amid the broader graffiti movement, serving as an act of territorial assertion in decaying urban environments before spray paint dominated. By the 1980s, scratchitti became widespread in NYC subways and phone booths, evolving as a stealthy alternative during intensified anti-graffiti crackdowns.^[67]^[68]^[69] Experimental filmmakers have employed scratched film techniques since the mid-20th century, physically incising or abrading the emulsion directly on celluloid strips to generate abstract, organic visuals that bypass traditional optics and editing. Pioneering artist Stan Brakhage extensively used this method in works like the Dog Star Man series (1961–1964) and The Dante Quartet (1987), scratching motifs to evoke subconscious imagery, light bursts, and textural depth, influencing materialist cinema by treating film stock as a malleable canvas akin to painting.^[70]^[71]^[72] As of 2025, digital scratching techniques in graphic design software emulate these traditional methods through specialized brushes, erasers, and masking tools that simulate etching effects on layered digital canvases. Tools like Adobe Fresco offer raster-based "scraper" and dry brush presets for iPad and desktop, allowing artists to build color strata virtually and "scratch" away to uncover underlying hues, while Adobe Illustrator provides vector-based scratchboard filters for precise, scalable illustrations as seen in tutorials replicating wildlife portraits. This evolution enables non-destructive experimentation and integration with AI-assisted texturing, expanding scratch art's reach in contemporary digital illustration.^[73]^[74]

Sports and games

Golf handicaps

In golf, a scratch golfer is defined by the United States Golf Association (USGA) as a player who can play to a Course Handicap of zero on any and all rated golf courses.^[75] This designation signifies that the player is expected to complete a round at par on average, without receiving any handicap strokes to adjust their score.^[76] Certification of this status occurs through official handicap systems administered by governing bodies like the USGA, which track a player's scoring record to confirm consistent performance at this level. The term "scratch" has its roots in 19th-century British golf, where it described players who competed "from scratch"—starting without the advantage of handicap strokes, akin to the unmarked starting line etched in the ground for fair races.^[77] In early handicapping practices, these expert players set the benchmark for ideal play, as they did not require concessions to compete equitably against less skilled opponents.^[78] This historical context evolved into the modern understanding of scratch as the zero-handicap standard, emphasizing raw skill and course management. Scratch golfers hold significant implications in competitive play, as they are fully eligible for scratch competitions—events structured without net scoring or handicap allowances, where participants' gross scores are compared directly. In such formats, they receive no strokes, underscoring their ability to navigate courses at par or better under pressure, often without the scoring adjustments available to higher-handicap players.^[79] Reaching scratch status demands dedicated training focused on consistent scoring, including refined shot-making, strategic decision-making, and mental resilience across diverse course conditions.^[80] This elite benchmark remains rare; as of 2025, statistics indicate that approximately 1% of golfers worldwide achieve and maintain a zero handicap.^[81] For golfers surpassing scratch level, the handicap system assigns plus ratings, such as +1 or +2, which reflect their superior scoring ability and require them to concede strokes to scratch players in mixed-ability events. These plus handicaps ensure equitable competition by quantifying performance beyond par, with the numerical value indicating the average strokes given away.^[82]

Racing formats

A scratch race is an event in athletics and motorsports where all competitors begin simultaneously from the same starting line without any handicaps or advantages, with the outcome determined solely by speed and endurance to the finish. This format contrasts with handicapped races, where slower participants receive head starts or other aids to equalize chances. It is particularly prevalent in track cycling, where riders compete in a mass start over a fixed distance, such as 10 km for both elite men and women under current UCI regulations (as of 2025).^[83]^[84] The term "scratch" originated in 19th-century pedestrianism, a form of competitive foot racing popular in Britain and the United States, where the starting line was literally scratched into the ground to mark an equal beginning for all entrants. This concept evolved into modern athletics, particularly track cycling events on velodromes, where it became a staple by the late 1800s as cycling gained traction as a sport. The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) formalized the scratch race as a world championship discipline in 2002, integrating it into omnium competitions and standalone events.^[85]^[86]^[83] Variations of the scratch race include standard mass-start formats, where the entire field races together until the first rider or runner crosses the line, and contrasts with pursuit-style events that involve staggered starts or individual time trials. In 2025, e-sports racing platforms like MyWhoosh adopted the scratch format for virtual cycling championships, such as the AusCycling Esports National Championships, which featured a one-off scratch race on the Wollongong City Circuit to ensure fair, handicap-free competition among digital avatars.^[83] Strategically, scratch races prioritize raw pace and sustained power output, as competitors cannot rely on positioning aids like head starts; instead, riders or runners must focus on early breaks, drafting efficiency in packs, and sprint finishes to outpace the field without artificial equalization. This emphasis on unassisted performance mirrors zero-handicap concepts in other sports like golf.^[87]

Card games

Scratch-off cards, also known as instant-win lotteries or scratchers, are gambling products featuring a card with concealed information, typically symbols or numbers, that players reveal by scratching off a removable opaque coating. These tickets were invented in 1974 by computer scientist John Koza and marketing specialist Daniel Bower, who founded Scientific Games Corporation to develop the first computer-generated secure instant lottery game, initially launched in Massachusetts.^[88]^[89] The innovation addressed security issues in earlier manual designs and revolutionized lotteries by offering immediate results, leading to widespread adoption across U.S. states and globally.^[90] Scratch-off cards generate substantial revenue for state lotteries, accounting for 60-65% of total U.S. lottery sales, which exceeded $113 billion in fiscal year 2024.^[91]^[92] This segment alone contributes tens of billions annually, funding public programs like education and infrastructure while providing prizes ranging from small cash amounts to multimillion-dollar jackpots.^[93] Beyond scratch-offs, the term "scratch" appears in other card game contexts as a betting or scoring term denoting a starting point of zero or a null outcome. In poker, it informally refers to beginning a hand or session with an empty pot, emphasizing a fresh start without prior commitments. Historical card games like whist variants use "scratch" to indicate a failed bid or zero score, where an unsuccessful play is marked off without points, as seen in scoring systems that penalize over- or under-bidding.^[94] These games are primarily regulated by state lottery commissions in the U.S., which oversee ticket production, distribution, and prize payouts to ensure fairness and prevent fraud.^[92] By 2025, digital scratch-off applications have emerged, integrating blockchain technology for enhanced transparency, such as verifiable random number generation and immutable transaction records, allowing players to access instant-win experiences via mobile apps while complying with jurisdictional laws.^[95]^[96] The appeal of scratch-off cards lies in their typical odds of winning any prize, around 1 in 4, which creates frequent small wins to encourage continued play.^[97] This structure leverages the psychological draw of instant gratification, where immediate revelation of results triggers dopamine responses, fostering engagement despite low overall payout rates of 60-70%.^[98]^[99]

Everyday language and other uses

Idioms and phrases

One prominent idiom incorporating "scratch" is "from scratch," which means to start something anew using only basic or raw materials, without relying on pre-made components or prior progress. This expression originated in the early 19th century from sporting contexts, particularly racing and cricket, where a line was scratched in the ground to mark the starting point for competitors, ensuring an equal beginning from nothing.^[100] In culinary usage, it gained popularity in the 20th century to describe preparing food from fundamental ingredients, such as mixing dough for bread without commercial mixes, emphasizing a hands-on process from the basics.^[101] Another common phrase is "up to scratch," denoting something or someone that meets the expected standards or performs adequately. It derives from 19th-century bare-knuckle boxing rules, under which fighters had to touch a line scratched in the dirt with their toe to begin the round, symbolizing readiness and compliance with the fight's requirements; failing to do so meant disqualification.^[102] This usage emerged in the early 1800s and extended metaphorically to evaluate quality in various contexts, such as work or goods.^[103] The idiom "scratch the surface" refers to a superficial examination or treatment of a topic, revealing only a minimal layer without deeper insight. It appeared in English around 1882, drawing from the literal act of lightly scraping an object's exterior, often in agricultural or material contexts where minimal effort yields shallow results.^[104] This phrase underscores incomplete exploration, as in analyzing a complex issue without addressing its core elements.^[105] "Old Scratch" serves as a euphemistic term for the Devil, rooted in folklore and appearing in English texts by 1732 as a folksy, diminutive name evoking a mischievous or goblin-like figure. It likely stems from Middle English "scrat" or "scratt," meaning a demon or supernatural being, with "old" adding a sense of antiquity to the infernal persona.^[106] This nickname reflects historical avoidance of directly naming evil entities in literature and oral traditions.^[104] Culturally, these idioms appear in literature—such as Charles Dickens employing "up to scratch" in 19th-century novels—and persist in contemporary expressions, adapting to informal speech across English-speaking regions.^[102]

Culinary terms

In culinary contexts, "scratch" commonly refers to preparing food from basic, unprocessed ingredients rather than relying on pre-packaged mixes or convenience products. This approach, known as cooking from scratch, allows cooks to control the quality, nutrition, and flavor of dishes, such as making pasta dough by mixing flour, eggs, and water without commercial kits. It has gained promotion in the 2020s for its sustainability benefits, including reduced packaging waste and lower carbon footprints through the use of fresh, local ingredients.^[107]^[108]^[109] Another food-related use of "scratch" denotes scratchings, a traditional British snack made from fried pork rind—the crispy remnants of pork skin left after roasting or rendering fat. These bite-sized pieces are seasoned simply with salt and offer a high-protein profile, with approximately 48 grams of protein per 100 grams, though they are also rich in fat at around 46 grams per 100 grams, including 17 grams of saturated fat. Scratchings provide a crunchy texture and are valued for their collagen content, which supports joint health, but moderation is advised due to their calorie density of about 606 kcal per 100 grams.^[110]^[111] The term "scratch" also appears in minor kitchen applications, such as describing superficial damage to cookware or surfaces, like light abrasions on ceramic hobs caused by rough pot bottoms or on enamel dishes from utensil contact. In American cuisine, "scratch-made" pies exemplify regional traditions, where desserts like apple or cherry pies are baked using fresh fruits, homemade crusts from flour and butter, and no store-bought fillings to preserve authentic flavors. Recipe instructions often invoke the idiomatic "from scratch" to emphasize this hands-on method. By 2025, scratch cooking has seen a notable rise, particularly in institutional settings like schools, where about 32% of food service authorities increased its use to mitigate ongoing supply chain disruptions, including ingredient shortages and shipping delays. This trend emphasizes local sourcing for resilience, enabling procurement of regional produce to bypass global bottlenecks and support sustainable practices.^[112]^[113]^[114]

Miscellaneous applications

In modeling and hobby crafts, "scratch building" refers to the practice of constructing scale models from raw materials such as balsa wood, styrene sheets, or metal, rather than using pre-made kits.^[115] This technique has been particularly popular in model railroading since the mid-20th century, allowing enthusiasts to create custom structures and locomotives with high detail and personalization.^[116] The term "scratch" also serves as American slang for money or cash, with usage dating to 1914, though its exact origin remains uncertain.^[104] Common phrases include "making scratch" to denote earning money, reflecting its informal role in everyday language.^[117] Scratchpads encompass both physical pads of paper used for temporary notes, sketches, or calculations and digital equivalents like simple text editors for quick jotting.^[118] In manufacturing, surface scratches are a key focus of quality control, where they are inspected and measured to ensure product integrity, often using standards like MIL-PRF-13830B that define acceptable scratch and dig levels on optical surfaces.^[119] Automated optical systems detect these defects to minimize cosmetic issues and maintain production standards.^[120] In 2025, various digital tools facilitate quick prototyping in design workflows, enabling users to build interactive mockups from basic elements without extensive coding.^[121] Scratch-off mechanisms, briefly, appear in lottery cards invented in 1974 for instant-win games.^[122]

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### Summary of Scratch Credits
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Below is a merged summary of the skin prick test for Type I hypersensitivity diagnosis, consolidating all information from the provided segments into a comprehensive response. To retain maximum detail and ensure clarity, I will use a combination of narrative text and a table in CSV format for key procedural, interpretive, and risk-related details. This approach allows for a dense representation while maintaining readability and completeness.
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Rating 7.8/10 (2,970) Scratch is a documentary about DJs and their art of scratching. ... Whether you're a fan of hip hop or not, you can count on Scratch to give you a very enjoyable ...
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Scratch: Directed by Paul Amstone. With Tyson Chanticleer, Charlit Dae, Dan Fowlks, Strongman Ryan Malin. The Devil resurrects a man from the dead to commit ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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Conor Dockery, Cathal McKenna, Daniel Lang, and Gary Regan — turn music on its head and pour their hearts and souls into their art to ...
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The Scratch, formed in 2016, is a band that doesn't fit in anywhere, blending heavy metal, Irish folk, stadium rock, and post-punk.<|control11|><|separator|>
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Rating 8.7/10 (58) Scratch by The Crusaders released in 1974. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic.
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To create the black layer you will need: black crayon, black pastel or black acrylic paint. Scratching tools- metal, bamboo, plastic tools capable of etching.
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Today I'm teaching you how to make this Crayon Scratch Art Project! This is a fun and easy introduction to scratch art, and you only need 3 things!
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An indication of the relative difficulty of a golf course for players who are not scratch players compared to players who are scratch players (see Appendix ...
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Track racing dates back to the end of the nineteenth century. The first World Championships were held in 1893. Track cyclists are powerful athletes, ...Keirin · Team Pursuit · Scratch RaceMissing: pedestrian | Show results with:pedestrian<|control11|><|separator|>
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a race in which all contestants start on equal terms. The scratch race is held over 40 laps of the velodrome.
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scratch the surface, to. To perform a task or investigate something superficially. This term comes from agriculture, where merely scratching the surface of the ...
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... the Negroes used to speak of the devil as Old Sam. old Scratch (n.) (also Old Scratcher). the Devil; thus raise old Scratch v., to cause a disturbance. 1732.
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North American slang. Money. scratch1914–. Money, esp. paper money. slang (originally U.S.). green1917–. In singular and plural. slang (originally U.S.). Money.
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Cooking school lunches from scratch can fix labor and supply issues
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Scratch Building in Model Railroading
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10/27/2004 - This depot was entirely scratchbuilt from stripwood and sheet wood, using an article by Ben King in the February 1970 issue of Model Railroader.
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Dec 27, 2022 · scratch. The American slang scratch for money can be traced back to 1914, but nobody knows why this itchy word was first used to refer to cash.
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Free online text editor. Notes are automatically saved and reloaded every time you visit.
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The 10 best prototyping tools for UI/UX designers [2025 Update]
When prototyping with UXPin, you can either start from scratch or import existing designs from Sketch or Photoshop, as well as static PNG or JPG files. Your ...
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A Revealing History of Lotto Scratch-Offs - Mental Floss
Mar 27, 2016 · When the scratch-off debuted in May 1974, players in Massachusetts had been buying roughly $1 million dollars' worth of six-digit lotto drawing ...