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scuzz

American  
[skuhz] / skʌz /

noun

  1. Also called scuzzbucket, scuzzball. a dirty, grimy, sordid, or repulsive person or thing.


adjective

  1. scuzzy.

Etymology

Origin of scuzz

1965–70; probably by back formation from scuzzy, though relative chronology of coinage uncertain


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Qualley plays the detective in a way that attracts the audience with all of the scuzz of a classic, shot-on-video B-movie.

From Salon ● Aug. 23, 2025

Over 15 years, their LPs have flitted between genres with insouciant musicianship, pulling from punky scuzz, regal soul, krautrock, electro-funk and psychedelia.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 8, 2025

“Who Framed Roger Rabbit” was still raking it in and remains remarkable for the amount of abrasiveness and scuzz its live-action-cartoon hybrid retained.

From New York Times ● Oct. 2, 2020

I really want my boyfriend to realize what a scuzz his friend is being and confront him, even in a low-key way, especially as concerns the 17-year-old.

From Slate ● Nov. 20, 2019

In the larger picture, we’re just a little green scuzz on the surface, says my brother.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood

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