scum
word
/ˈskəm/
skuhm
/skˈʌm/
skuhm
Definition
Scum is a dirty layer that forms on the surface of a liquid or another material. It can also be used as a very insulting word for a person considered cruel, immoral, or worthless.
Usage & Nuances
The literal meaning is common in contexts like water, soup, ponds, and soap. The person meaning is highly offensive and harsh; use it carefully. Related collocations include 'pond scum', 'soap scum', and 'the scum of the earth'.
Spanish: espuma sucia - escoria (persona despreciable)Portuguese (BR): sujeira na superfície - escória (pessoa desprezível)Portuguese (PT): sujidade à superfície - escória (pessoa desprezível)Chinese (Simplified): 浮渣 - 人渣Chinese (Traditional): 浮渣 - 人渣Hindi: मैल की परत - नीच आदमीArabic: طبقة الأوساخ - حثالة (شخص حقير)Bengali: আবর্জনা - ময়লা পরত - নীচু লোকRussian: накипь - мерзавецJapanese: あく - カス - クズ（人への侮辱）Vietnamese: váng - cặn bẩn - cặn bã (chỉ người, xúc phạm)Korean: 찌꺼기 - 거품 - 쓰레기(비하적, 사람에게)Turkish: pislik - köpük - aşağılık tip (ağır hakaret)Urdu: جھاگ - غلاظت - کمینہ (گالی کے طور پر)Indonesian: bui bẩn - kerak - sampah (penghinaan untuk manusia)
Example Sentences
Ugh, there's scum floating in my tea.
natural
There was green scum on the pond.
basic
The bath had scum around the edges.
basic
He called the thief scum.
basic
Only scum would treat people like that.
natural
The sink was covered in soap scum.
natural