scum

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "scum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person or group of people that is seen as morally or intellectually inferior or worthless. For example, "He was a member of a scum gang that was known for its violent activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In another, a group of Ukip-supporting men in Ramsgate allegedly abused voters of other parties as "scum".

The Guardian

Sky News, the Guardian, the Mirror and ITV have gone with the "scum" story.

The Guardian

One is a photograph of two people wearing hooded sweatshirts bearing a picture of Jordan Begley, the dates of his life and death with the words: "Taken by scum".

The Guardian

He wrote and then deleted a series of tweets slamming director Bennett Miller for "disrespect", calling him "scum" and reviewing the film in stark terms: "Everything I've ever said positive about the movie I take back.

The Guardian - Film

I agree, but rule No 1 is labels are scum.

The Guardian - Music

Disabled children the deserving claimants at the front of the queue, Jobseekers the scum pushed to the back.

The Guardian

Farage has castigated the activists as "scum" who have driven him from a quiet family lunch and led to him losing touch with his children for a few fraught moments.

The Guardian

One is Farage's use of the word "scum", which recalls French president Nicolas Sarkozy's similarly vile hate speech in describing Parisian rioters as "canaille".

The Guardian

The violence was partly fuelled by aggressive police tactics and by the belligerence of Nicolas Sarkozy, then Minister of the Interior, who declared "zero tolerance" and said that he would clean the streets of racaille (scum).

The Guardian

There is a lamppost and noose waiting for every jihadi that comes back to Britain and their scum enablers and sympathizers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Anyway, Farage – who to be frank must be used to being chased out of all sorts of places – from Rotherham to Edinburgh, had to leave a pub in The Kent village of Downe at the weekend because, he said, of "scum": people protesting about his presence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scum" sparingly and deliberately. Be aware of its strong negative connotations and consider whether a less inflammatory term would be more appropriate, depending on your audience and purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "scum" casually. Its intensity can be disproportionate to the situation, undermining your credibility and potentially alienating readers. Consider alternative phrases that convey disapproval without resorting to such harsh language.

Linguistic Context

The term "scum" primarily functions as a noun, denoting either a surface layer of impurities or, more commonly, a contemptible person or group of people. Ludwig AI confirms this, showcasing examples where "scum" is used to label individuals or groups deemed morally reprehensible.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "scum", as analyzed by Ludwig AI, is a noun primarily used to express strong contempt or disapproval. While grammatically correct, its highly negative connotation makes it suitable for informal contexts. Ludwig's examples show its frequent use in news and media to express strong opinions. When writing, remember that even though "scum" is used in many contexts, you may prefer less inflammatory alternatives like ""dregs of society"" or "lowlifes", depending on your audience and purpose. Use "scum" deliberately, being mindful of its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the scum of the earth

Emphasizes the global extent of their depravity.

lowlifes

Directly labels individuals as having low moral character.

despicable people

Directly expresses contempt or hatred.

dregs of society

Implies the lowest or most worthless members of society.

the riffraff

Refers to disreputable or undesirable people.

moral refuse

Draws a comparison to garbage or waste, suggesting a lack of moral integrity.

vermin

Compares people to pests, emphasizing their undesirability.

degenerates

Suggests a decline in moral or physical qualities.

worthless individuals

Focuses on a perceived lack of value or usefulness.

social outcasts

Highlights their exclusion from mainstream society.

FAQs

How can I use the word "scum" in a sentence?

The word "scum" can be used as a noun to describe a layer of impurities or a group of reprehensible people. For example, "He considered them the "dregs of society" and treated them as such."

What words can I use instead of "scum"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "riffraff", "lowlifes", or "despicable people". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to call someone "scum"?

Calling someone "scum" is highly offensive and generally inappropriate. It's a derogatory term that expresses strong contempt and should be avoided in most professional and social contexts. Consider the impact of your words and choose language that is respectful and constructive.

What is the difference between "scum" and "vermin"?

"Scum" typically refers to morally reprehensible people, while "vermin" implies that someone is unwanted and destructive, like pests. While both are negative, "scum" focuses on moral character, and "vermin" focuses on nuisance and harm.