scum

¹scum

noun \ˈskəm\

Definition of SCUM

1

a : extraneous matter or impurities risen to or formed on the surface of a liquid often as a foul filmy covering — compare pond scum 2 b : the scoria of metals in a molten state : dross c : a slimy film on a solid or gelatinous object

2

a : refuse b : a low, vile, or worthless person or group of people

— scum·my \ˈskə-mē\ adjective

Examples of SCUM

1. Boil the chicken and use a spoon to remove any scum that floats to the surface.
2. <claimed that only scum lived in that part of town>

Origin of SCUM

Middle English, from Middle Dutch schum; akin to Old High German scūm foam

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to SCUM

Synonyms: proletariat, rabblement, ragtag and bobtail, riffraff, rout, rabble, tag, rag, and bobtail (or tagrag and bobtail), trash, unwashed

Antonyms: A-list, aristocracy, elite, gentry, quality, society, upper class, upper crust

Related Words: dregs; commoners, commons, herd, hoi polloi, masses, millions, mob, multitude, people, plebeians, populace, public, rank and file; bourgeoisie, middle class, working class

Near Antonyms: elect, establishment; gentlefolk (also gentlefolks), nobility, peerage

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with SCUM

bum, chum, come, crumb, cum, drum, dumb, from, glum, gum, hum, lum, mum, numb, plum, plumb, rum, scrum, slum, some, strum, sum, them, thrum, thumb