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Scum: meaning, definitions and examples

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scum

 

[ skสŒm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

negative substance

Scum refers to a layer of dirt, waste, or foul matter that forms on the surface of a liquid, often due to contamination or decomposition of organic materials. This term is frequently used to describe undesirable substances that gather on water or other liquids. The word can also describe a person considered despicable or contemptible, indicating a moral degradation. The use of 'scum' in this context conveys a strong negative judgment.

Synonyms

dirt, film, residue, slime.

Examples of usage

  • The pond was covered in green scum.
  • Don't associate with that scum.
  • The scum on the surface needed to be cleaned.
  • She referred to his actions as scum-like behavior.

Translations

Translations of the word "scum" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น escรณria

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅ€เคšเคกเคผ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Schlamm

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kotoran

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑั€ัƒะด

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ szlam

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆฑšใ‚Œ (ใ‚ˆใ”ใ‚Œ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท รฉcume

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ escoria

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท pislik

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์˜ค๋ฌผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู‚ุฐุงุฑุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kal

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ kal

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆฑกๅžข

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ blato

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sรบpa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะปะฐั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒ˜แƒœแƒซแƒฃแƒ แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ รงirk

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ escoria

Etymology

The word 'scum' originates from Middle Dutch 'schum', which referred to the froth arising on the surface of boiling liquids. Its use has evolved over time to describe both physical impurities that form on liquids, as well as a derogatory term for people who are seen as morally repugnant. Throughout the ages, scum has been associated with low status, whether referring to contaminants in water or to individuals deemed unworthy by society's standards. This duality of meaning highlights both the physical aspect of the term and its metaphorical use in social commentary. As the language developed, 'scum' became entrenched in English vernacular, often evoking strong feelings of disgust or disdain.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,350, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.