Suds: meaning, definitions and examples

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suds

 

[sʌdz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

washing

Suds are the bubbles that form when you mix soap with water. They are commonly seen when doing laundry or washing dishes.

Synonyms

bubbles, foam, lather.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
suds

Typically used to talk about the frothy soap mixture created when soap is agitated in water. Often mentioned in the context of washing clothes or dishes.

  • I added more soap to get enough suds for washing the car
  • She was covered in suds after playing with the bubble bath
foam

Refers to a mass of small bubbles formed on or in liquid, produced by agitation or fermentation. Commonly found in descriptions of lattes, beer, or ocean waves.

  • The barista added a perfect layer of foam on my cappuccino
  • The waves crashed against the rocks, creating a lot of foam
lather

Used to describe the frothy substance formed when soap or detergent is mixed with water and agitated. Often used in the context of shaving or washing.

  • He applied shaving cream to his face and worked it into a rich lather
  • Make sure to lather your hands well when washing them
bubbles

Used to describe small spheres of air or gas surrounded by a liquid film. Commonly mentioned in the context of children's play, bubble baths, or carbonated drinks.

  • The kids were chasing bubbles in the yard
  • I like to relax in a bath full of bubbles

Examples of usage

  • The sink was full of suds from the dish soap.
  • She scrubbed the clothes vigorously until the suds were gone.
Context #2 | Noun

beer

In the context of beer, suds refer to the foam that forms on top of a freshly poured glass of beer.

Synonyms

foam, froth, head.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
suds

Commonly used when talking about soapy water, especially in washing dishes or clothes.

  • The sink was filled with soapy suds after washing the dishes.
  • The washer created lots of suds during the cleaning cycle.
foam

Suitable for describing a mass of small bubbles formed on or in liquid, can refer to various contexts like the sea, beverages, or certain materials.

  • The cappuccino had a perfect layer of foam on top.
  • The waves crashed against the shore, creating white foam.
froth

Often used in relation to the light, airy bubbles that form on the surface of a liquid, generally with a delicate or temporary quality. Can also have a slightly negative connotation when referring to something insubstantial.

  • The barista carefully created a layer of froth on the latte.
  • He dismissed the rumor as nothing but froth and nonsense.
head

Mostly used in reference to the foam that forms on top of a poured beer.

  • The bartender poured the beer perfectly, leaving a thick head on it.
  • A good beer should have a nice, frothy head.

Examples of usage

  • The bartender poured the beer carefully to ensure a perfect head of suds.
  • He took a sip of the beer, enjoying the taste of the suds.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'suds' comes from the Old English word 'sūðan', meaning to foam or froth.
  • It originally referred to boiling or frothing water, especially in the context of washing or cooking.
  • Over time, 'suds' became a popular term specifically associated with soap and detergent bubbles.

Science

  • Suds are formed when soap breaks the surface tension of water, allowing air to get trapped in the liquid.
  • The size and stability of bubbles depend on the type of soap and how it interacts with water and air.
  • Suds can enhance cleaning by lifting dirt and grease away from surfaces due to their unique properties.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'suds and duds' refers to pairings of beer (suds) and snacks or attire (duds) for casual gatherings.
  • Suds often appear in comedic films and cartoons, where characters might get covered in bubbles for humorous effect.
  • In the famous 'Suds' scene from the movie 'It's a Wonderful Life', bubbles symbolize joy and carefree moments.

Psychology

  • Seeing bubbles and suds can trigger feelings of nostalgia, often reminding people of childhood bath time or playful moments.
  • The act of washing with soap and creating suds can also be therapeutic, promoting mindfulness and relaxation.
  • Bright, playful images of bubbles are used in advertisements to evoke happiness and a sense of cleanliness.

Environmental Impact

  • Suds and detergents can contribute to water pollution if not properly treated, leading to ecological issues in waterways.
  • Some modern cleaning products are designed to create fewer suds while maintaining cleaning effectiveness, helping protect aquatic life.
  • Biodegradable soaps are encouraged as they produce less harmful suds that won't negatively impact the environment.

Translations

Translations of the word "suds" in other languages:

🇵🇹 saboneteira

🇮🇳 साबुन का झाग

🇩🇪 Seifenschaum

🇮🇩 busa sabun

🇺🇦 мильна піна

🇵🇱 mydliny

🇯🇵 石鹸の泡

🇫🇷 mousse de savon

🇪🇸 espuma de jabón

🇹🇷 sabun köpüğü

🇰🇷 비누 거품

🇸🇦 رغوة الصابون

🇨🇿 mýdlová pěna

🇸🇰 mydlová pena

🇨🇳 肥皂泡沫

🇸🇮 milo pena

🇮🇸 sápu froða

🇰🇿 сабын көбігі

🇬🇪 საპნის ქაფი

🇦🇿 sabun köpüyü

🇲🇽 espuma de jabón

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,363, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.