Dragged through a hedge backwards British humorous informal slang
To have an untidy or disheveled appearance, especially with messy hair
Where have you been all day? You look like you had been dragged through a hedge backwards.
I think you should cancel the date tonight because you look like you had been dragged through a hedge backwards right now.
1. Used to say that something is very unique or distinctive.
2. Very disorganized and untidy.
3. Very strange.
Used to refer to a clutter or mess
1. Used to describe something imperfect but ready for use or action
2. Used to describe someone or something slightly lacking in refinement, sophistication, manners, etc.
3. Used to describe someone who is a bit sick or unwell, especially because someone is suffer from a hangover
To appear dirty or messy.
The phrase originated from 19th century England. It was first recorded in the 1857 edition of The Hereford Journal:
"In the class for any distinct breed came a pen of those curious birds the silk fowls, shown by Mr. Churchill, and a pen of those not less curious the frizzled fowls, sent by the same gentleman, looking as if they had been drawn through a hedge backwards."
The meaning of this expression was related to the way in which the chickens being sold looked at that time. The phrase became rather antiquated middle-class speak and had almost died out by the 1970s.