Phrase guide

scum of the earth

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

An undesirable individual; the worst type of person or people.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: derogatory, idiomatic, informal, uncountable

Examples

  • Child abusers and pedophiles are the scum of the earth.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: salt of the earth

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: lie de l'humanité — undesirable individual