How Do You Spell SCUM?

Pronunciation: [skˈʌm] (IPA)

The word "scum" is pronounced /skʌm/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The spelling of this word is regular, with the letter "s" representing the sound /sk/ and the letter "u" representing the short vowel sound /ʌ/. The letter "c" is also pronounced as /k/ before the letter "u". This word refers to a thin layer of impurities that form on the surface of a liquid. It can also be used as a derogatory term to describe someone considered to be morally reprehensible.

SCUM Meaning and Definition

  1. Scum is a derogatory noun that refers to a despicable or contemptible person. It is commonly used to describe individuals who display immoral, dishonest, or unethical behavior. The term implies a strong aura of disapproval or condemnation towards the individuals in question.

    In a broader context, scum can also refer to a thin layer of dirt, impurities, or unwanted substances that forms on the surface of a liquid, typically water. This definition is most commonly used in relation to ponds, lakes, or bodies of water that are contaminated or polluted. Such scum often has a visibly unpleasant appearance and can pose risks to the environment and wildlife.

    Furthermore, the term "scum" can be metaphorically used to describe groups or organizations considered morally corrupt or reprehensible. In this sense, it denotes a deep-seated criticism and contempt towards the values, actions, or ideologies these groups represent.

    The usage of "scum" as an insult, its derogatory nature, makes it a pejorative term to demean someone or depict a group or individual as morally repugnant. Its negative connotation suggests a lack of respect, integrity, or decency. It is important to be cautious when using such derogatory language, as it can be hurtful and offensive to those it is directed towards.

  2. Epistasis, a film of insoluble material which rises to the surface of a liquid; that which sinks to the bottom of a liquid is the sediment or hypostasis.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. • Impurities which rise to the surface of liquids, particularly when boiled or fermented; the refuse; the portion which is worthless or vile.
    • To clear off scum.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for SCUM *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for SCUM

Etymology of SCUM

The word "scum" originated from the Old English word "scūm", which meant "foam" or "dregs". This Old English term derives from the Proto-Germanic word "skūmaz", and has cognates in other Germanic languages such as Old Norse "skūmi" and Old High German "scūm". The figurative use of "scum" to describe a base, contemptible, or morally repugnant person dates back to the 16th century.

Idioms with the word SCUM

  • bathtub scum The idiom "bathtub scum" refers to a person or a group of people regarded as undesirable, contemptible, or morally corrupt. It signifies individuals or a collective known for their untrustworthiness, deceitfulness, or lack of integrity. The term is often used to express disdain or disapproval towards such individuals or groups.
  • the scum of the earth The idiom "the scum of the earth" is used to describe a person or a group of people who are perceived as being morally repugnant, despicable, or utterly contemptible. It implies that these individuals are the lowest and most undesirable members of society.

Similar spelling words for SCUM

Plural form of SCUM is SCUMS

Conjugate verb Scum

CONDITIONAL

I would scum
you would scum
he/she/it would scum
we would scum
they would scum

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be scumming
you would be scumming
he/she/it would be scumming
we would be scumming
they would be scumming

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have scum
you would have scum
he/she/it would have scum
we would have scum
they would have scum

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been scumming
you would have been scumming
he/she/it would have been scumming
we would have been scumming
they would have been scumming

FUTURE

I will scum
you will scum
he/she/it will scum
we will scum
they will scum

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be scumming
you will be scumming
he/she/it will be scumming
we will be scumming
they will be scumming

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have scummed
you will have scummed
he/she/it will have scummed
we will have scummed
they will have scummed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been scumming
you will have been scumming
he/she/it will have been scumming
we will have been scumming
they will have been scumming

IMPERATIVE

you scum
we let´s scum

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to scum

PAST

I scummed
you scummed
he/she/it scummed
we scummed
they scummed

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was scumming
you were scumming
he/she/it was scumming
we were scumming
they were scumming

PAST PARTICIPLE

scummed

PAST PERFECT

I had scummed
you had scummed
he/she/it had scummed
we had scummed
they had scummed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been scumming
you had been scumming
he/she/it had been scumming
we had been scumming
they had been scumming

PRESENT

I scum
you scum
he/she/it scums
we scum
they scum

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am scumming
you are scumming
he/she/it is scumming
we are scumming
they are scumming

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

scumming

PRESENT PERFECT

I have scummed
you have scummed
he/she/it has scummed
we have scummed
they have scummed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been scumming
you have been scumming
he/she/it has been scumming
we have been scumming
they have been scumming
I would have scummed
we would have scummed
you would have scummed
he/she/it would have scummed
they would have scummed

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