der Abschaum, null
scum
Definition & meaning
The German word Abschaum primarily refers to scum or dregs. It is used in both literal and figurative senses:
- Literal meaning: It describes the foam, impurities, or waste matter that collects on the surface of a liquid (such as boiling water or metal).
- Figurative meaning: It is a highly derogatory term used to describe people considered to be the lowest level of society, morally corrupt individuals, or "human scum." When used in this way, it carries a strong sense of contempt and disgust.
Grammar & Word origin
Abschaum is a masculine noun (der Abschaum). It is formed from the prefix ab- (meaning off or away) and the noun Schaum (foam or froth). Historically, the word referred to the foam that was skimmed off the top of liquids during a cooking or refining process, effectively discarding the unwanted part.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- Gesindel (rabble, riffraff)
- Auswurf (dregs, outcast)
- Abschaum der Menschheit[?](vocabuo://word/Abschaum der Menschheit) (scum of the earth)
- Bodensatz (dregs or lees)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Er wurde von den anderen als Abschaum bezeichnet.noun
He was referred to by the others as scum.
Der dicke Abschaum schwamm auf der dunklen Suppe.noun
The thick scum floated on the dark soup.
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