bunch of scumbags

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bunch of scumbags" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used informally to refer to a group of people who are perceived as dishonest or morally reprehensible. Example: "I can't believe they cheated us out of our money; they're just a bunch of scumbags."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

This was essentially keeping a bunch of scumbags in power and prolonging the French empire.

The Guardian - Books

"She's furious that a bunch of scumbags could do this to her family, but she's taking no chances and wants out.

Independent

And besides, if they really are a bunch of scumbags … well, we didn't stop listening to Paint It, Black just because Keith Richards stuck spikes in his veins.

The Guardian - Music

Now you may not like these people, and may think that the law is just and AIG is run by a bunch of scumbags.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Noise shows with a dozen bands are always boring for hours at a time, a bunch of scumbag macho nerds trying to outdo one another in competitions that tap into the National Geographic sequences of their DNA.

Vice

A slick video promoting their activities after the fact asks, "Are you prepared to sit back and let a bunch of Nazi scumbags determine who can and can't eat based on the colour of their skin or religion?

Vice

It's the same boring song, sung time and again – those who don't "game" viewing the whole straddling-the-globe-like-a-colossus industry and its symbiotic, fantastically colourful communities as some kind of joke; Hungry Hippos with motion control, Laserquest with a bunch of faceless scumbags screaming obscenities down a headset at squad-mates.

Vice

"People these days, a lot of scumbags around here".

Vice

Rootsy rock 'n' roll from a bunch of Montreal "liars and scumbags".

Vice

"I've arrested hundreds of scumbags, Jackson.

The New Yorker

It's just made me realise what kind of scumbags they actually are".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bunch of scumbags" to express strong disapproval or contempt in informal contexts. Be mindful of your audience, as the phrase can be offensive.

Common error

Avoid using "bunch of scumbags" in formal writing or professional communication. Opt for more neutral or professional terms to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bunch of scumbags" functions as a noun phrase, specifically a derogatory label applied to a group of people. It serves to express strong disapproval or contempt.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bunch of scumbags" is a noun phrase used informally to express strong disapproval or contempt. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatical and usable in written English, but emphasizes its inappropriateness in formal contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media sources, where it serves to condemn unethical or illegal behavior. When writing, consider less offensive alternatives like ""group of criminals"" or ""pack of villains"" for professional communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

group of lowlifes

Replaces "bunch" with "group" and "scumbags" with "lowlifes", altering the specific terms while maintaining the overall meaning of a despicable collective.

pack of villains

Substitutes "bunch" with "pack" and "scumbags" with "villains", intensifying the negative portrayal to suggest malicious intent.

collection of degenerates

Replaces "bunch" with "collection" and "scumbags" with "degenerates", making it a more formal yet equally derogatory description.

band of criminals

Changes "bunch" to "band" and "scumbags" to "criminals", emphasizing illegal activities and organized wrongdoing.

gang of thugs

Substitutes "bunch" with "gang" and "scumbags" with "thugs", highlighting the violent and disorderly nature of the group.

crowd of reprobates

Replaces "bunch" with "crowd" and "scumbags" with "reprobates", suggesting moral depravity and a rejection of societal norms.

load of good-for-nothings

Substitutes "bunch of scumbags" with "load of good-for-nothings", softening the harshness while still implying worthlessness and lack of contribution.

set of rogues

Replaces "bunch" with "set" and "scumbags" with "rogues", indicating deceitful and dishonest behavior within a defined group.

mob of wrongdoers

Changes "bunch" to "mob" and "scumbags" to "wrongdoers", underlining the collective engagement in unethical or illegal actions.

circle of miscreants

Replaces "bunch" with "circle" and "scumbags" with "miscreants", painting a picture of a closely-knit group characterized by bad behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "bunch of scumbags" in a sentence?

You can use "bunch of scumbags" to express strong disapproval or contempt towards a group of people. For example, "I can't believe they cheated us; they're a bunch of scumbags."

What's a less offensive way to say "bunch of scumbags"?

You can use alternatives like "group of criminals", "pack of villains", or "collection of degenerates" depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is it appropriate to use "bunch of scumbags" in professional settings?

No, "bunch of scumbags" is generally considered inappropriate for professional settings. It is best to use more neutral or professional language, such as "unethical individuals" or "dishonest group".

What is the difference between "bunch of scumbags" and "group of unethical individuals"?

"Bunch of scumbags" is an informal and highly critical expression, while "group of unethical individuals" is a more formal and professional way to describe a similar concept. The former is suitable for casual conversation, while the latter is better for business or academic contexts.