'scrummage' originates in English, formed from 'scrum' with the suffix '-age' in the late 19th century; the suffix creates a noun indicating an action or result.

'scrummage' is related to 'scrimmage' (Middle English skrymmage/skramage), which traces back to Old French forms related to 'eskarmouche' meaning 'skirmish'; over time these forms influenced one another and yielded modern variants such as 'scrummage' and 'scrimmage'.

Initially it referred generally to a 'skirmish' or 'conflict'; over time it retained that sense but also came to be used specifically for the rugby 'scrum' and for any close physical contest.