scum

[skuhm]

noun

1. a film or layer of foul or extraneous matter that forms on the surface of a liquid.

2. refuse or offscourings.

3. a low, worthless, or evil person.

4. such persons collectively; riffraff; dregs.

5. scoria.

verb (used with object)

scummed, scumming 

1. to remove the scum from.

2. to remove as scum.

verb (used without object)

scummed, scumming 

1. to form scum; become covered with scum.

scum

/ skʌm /

noun

1. a layer of impure matter that forms on the surface of a liquid, often as the result of boiling or fermentation

2. the greenish film of algae and similar vegetation surface of a stagnant pond

3. Also called: dross.  scruff. the skin of oxides or impurities on the surface of a molten metal

4. waste matter

5. a worthless person or group of people

verb

1. (tr) to remove scum from

2. rare,  (intr) to form a layer of or become covered with scum

Other Word Forms

• scumless adjective
• scumlike adjective
• unscummed adjective
• scummer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of scum¹

1200–50; Middle English scume < Middle Dutch schūme ( Dutch schuim ) foam; cognate with German Schaum foam

Word History and Origins

Origin of scum¹

C13: of Germanic origin; related to Old High German scūm, Middle Dutch schūm, Old French escume; see _skim

Example Sentences

The trial also made national news after Ortega cross-examined Border Patrol sector chief Gregory Bovino about previous comments he had made describing undocumented immigrants as “scum, filth and trash.”

From Los Angeles Times

"They're just scum," he said, on his second pint, claiming that it was "an invasion".

From BBC

“They said you describing illegal aliens, and or criminals, as scum, trash and filth is misconduct. Isn’t that correct?”

From Los Angeles Times

When this occurs, blue-green algae can form blooms that discolour the water, or produce floating mats or scums on the water's surface.

From BBC

Sometimes Rayner admitted she had gone too far, once apologising for describing senior Conservatives as "a bunch of scum".

From BBC

Related Words

• froth