Scant and scanty

Hello,

I would like to know what is the difference between the words scant and scanty. When I look at they just seem to have the same meaning.

Thank you.

You are right, more or less. It all depends on your usage. Some expressions use scant, and others scanty.

scant pickings (easy profits in short supply)
paying scant regard to something (not giving something enough attention)

scanty clothing (a small or inadequate piece of clothing, usually over revealing)
a scanty meal (barely enough to make a complete meal)
a scanty amount of something (a small amount of something)

Hmmm, it's kind of hard. Apart from some expressions, will there be a problem if I use these words without distinction? I mean, is there a problem in saying "There was scant(y) candidates", "scant(y) jobs" etc?

Thanks