noun
scum
skuhm
noun
1
A thin layer of dirt, foam, or other impurities that gathers on the surface of a liquid.
"Green scum had formed across the surface of the stagnant pond."
2
A thoroughly contemptible or worthless person, or such people collectively.
"The judge called the fraudster "the scum of the earth.""
How to Use Scum
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the grimy film on top of a liquid, or (as an insult) a despicable person.
When to use it
The "despicable person" sense is a strong insult — quite vulgar and confrontational.
Common pairings
pond scum
scum of the earth
Word Forms
scummed past tense, scums plural, scums singular
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Green _____ had formed across the surface of the stagnant pond.
Etymology
From Middle English scum, related to Middle Dutch schume ("foam"); ultimately from a Germanic root meaning "froth" or "to cover." Related to "skim."