Scummy: meaning, definitions and examples

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scummy

 

[ ˈskʌmi ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

describing something

Scummy describes something that is dirty, foul, or unpleasant, often due to a layer of grime or filth. It can refer to physical substances like residue in ponds or moral qualities when describing individuals or behaviors.

Synonyms

dirty, filthy, foul, grimy, squalid.

Examples of usage

  • The pond looked scummy after a week of hot weather.
  • He made a scummy deal that left many people unhappy.
  • Don't drink that water; it looks scummy.
  • Her scummy behavior at work tarnished her reputation.

Translations

Translations of the word "scummy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 nojento

🇮🇳 गंदा

🇩🇪 schmutzig

🇮🇩 kotor

🇺🇦 брудний

🇵🇱 brudny

🇯🇵 汚い (きたない)

🇫🇷 sale

🇪🇸 sucio

🇹🇷 pis

🇰🇷 더러운

🇸🇦 قذر

🇨🇿 špinavý

🇸🇰 špinavý

🇨🇳 肮脏 (āngzāng)

🇸🇮 umazan

🇮🇸 skítugur

🇰🇿 лас

🇬🇪 აბეზარესი (abezaresi)

🇦🇿 çirkin

🇲🇽 sucio

Etymology

The word 'scummy' emerged in the 19th century, borrowing from 'scum', which itself has Old English roots with the word 'scuma' referring to a film or layer of impure matter. This indicates a history of describing undesirable substances that gather on surfaces, often used in the context of stagnant water or spoiled liquids. The negative connotation attached to the term evolved to also signify people or actions that are perceived as corrupt or morally reprehensible. As the language developed, 'scummy' found its place as a colloquial descriptor for both physical filthiness and moral degradation, retaining a strong pejorative force in contemporary usage.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,350, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.