Scum - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Scum refers to a layer of dirt or froth on the surface of a liquid, or it can describe a person or group considered worthless or contemptible. It is often used as an insult.
Definition:
A layer of dirt or froth on a liquid's surface, or a contemptible person.
Synonyms:
dregs, filth, riffraff, trash
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
elite, nobility
Common Collocations:
pond scum, scum bag, scum rises to the top
Derivatives:
scummy, scumbag
Usage Tips:
Use "scum" for literal impurities or metaphorically for despicable people; avoid in formal contexts due to its harsh tone.
Common Phrases:
scum of the earth, pond scum, the scum rises to the top
Etymology:
From Old French "escume," meaning froth or foam, likely of Germanic origin.
Examples:
- 1. The pond was covered with green scum after weeks of heat.
- 2. He called the corrupt officials scum for exploiting the poor.
- 3. She skimmed the scum off the boiling soup before serving it.
- 4. The criminal was labeled as society’s lowest scum by the judge.