human dustbins

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "human dustbins" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to describe people who are treated as receptacles for waste or unwanted things, often in a derogatory context. Example: "In some societies, the marginalized are seen as human dustbins, discarded and overlooked by those in power."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Human dustbins!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

With my reputation as the human dustbin, the young people in my extended family are always giving me meat and other food because it's a bit past its date stamp.

The Guardian

Similarly, the Barbary macaques of Gibraltar, emboldened by their friendly contact with tourists, have been carrying out forays further into human territory, raiding dustbins and running amok.

The Guardian

Indeed, they have an omnivorous diet that includes prey and plants and they also scavenge around human waste disposal sites and dustbins.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

In the indoor environment of the experimental part, the object classes will be divided into two, the stationary (e.g., flower pot, fire extinguisher or dustbin) and the moving one (e.g., human or opening door).

Vietnam Journal of Computer Science

Its purpose, its raison d'être, would be to defend not the national interests of any particular state, but the common human interest we all share in creating a human future where genocide has been relegated to the dustbin of history.

Huffington Post

"We found a dustbin with ashes and other burned items and when it was lifted up, we found a human body, which was identified to be that of the late 27-year-old woman," Oshana Regional Police Commander Ndahangwapo Kashihakumwa told The Namibian Sun.

Huffington Post

The more recent view that a woman with children must become a superwoman who does it all, all at once, all by herself, male-style career alongside responsibility for the family, can now be tossed in a dustbin labelled 'non-human primate'.

The Guardian - Books

Ribs served in dustbins?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The dustbins are emptied.

The Guardian

We're like dustbins".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternatives, as the phrase can be highly offensive.

Common error

Avoid using "human dustbins" casually or without understanding the significant negative implications. The phrase carries a strong derogatory connotation, so using it in contexts where a lighter term would suffice diminishes its impact and appears insensitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "human dustbins" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object. It serves as a metaphorical label to describe individuals or groups considered valueless or treated as receptacles for societal ills, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "human dustbins" is a noun phrase used as a metaphor to describe individuals or groups treated as valueless or as receptacles for societal waste. According to Ludwig, it carries a strong negative connotation and is used to express disapproval or criticism of such treatment. While grammatically correct, its use should be approached with caution due to its potential to dehumanize. The phrase is relatively rare, with a primary context in news and media. When using "human dustbins", consider the impact and explore alternative phrasing to avoid unintentional offense. Ludwig AI confirms the usability of this phrase, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of its implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

human garbage

Synonymous and directly comparable, using "garbage" instead of "dustbins" with the same derogatory effect.

human refuse

A more direct synonym, replacing "dustbins" with "refuse", maintaining a similar negative connotation.

disposable people

Highlights the expendability aspect, shifting the focus from waste receptacle to disposability.

social outcasts

Focuses on the societal exclusion aspect, differing from the direct implication of being treated as waste.

marginalized people

Emphasizes the social disadvantage and powerlessness experienced, rather than the receptacle metaphor.

society's rejects

Emphasizes rejection by society, instead of the 'receptacle' aspect.

social pariahs

Focuses on being ostracized from society, highlighting social isolation.

unwanted individuals

Highlights the lack of desire for these individuals, removing the waste metaphor.

ignored population

Shifts the focus to being overlooked or disregarded, differing from being treated as waste.

forgotten members of society

Highlights neglect and lack of remembrance, contrasting with active mistreatment as waste.

FAQs

How can the term "human dustbins" be interpreted?

The term "human dustbins" is a metaphor, which suggests that certain individuals or groups are treated as receptacles for unwanted things, ideas, or emotions. It carries a strong negative connotation and implies a lack of value or respect.

What are some less offensive alternatives to "human dustbins"?

Depending on the specific context, consider using alternatives like "social outcasts", "marginalized people", or "unwanted individuals", which may convey similar ideas with less harshness.

In what contexts might the phrase "human dustbins" be appropriate?

The phrase is rarely truly appropriate. It might be used in academic or critical discussions about social injustice or dehumanization, but should be approached with extreme caution and sensitivity due to its potentially offensive nature. Always consider if a less inflammatory term could be more effective.

Is there a risk of dehumanization when using the term "human dustbins"?

Yes, using the term "human dustbins" risks dehumanizing the individuals or groups being described, as it reduces them to mere objects or containers of waste. This can reinforce negative stereotypes and contribute to social exclusion and discrimination.