scummy

[ skuhm-ee ]

adjective

, scum·mi·er, scum·mi·est.

1. consisting of or having scum.
2. Informal. despicable; contemptible:

   That was a scummy trick.

ˈscummy

/ ˈskʌmɪ /

adjective

1. of, resembling, consisting of, or covered with scum
2. dirty, unpleasant, or nasty

Word History and Origins

Origin of scummy¹

First recorded in 1570–80; scum + -y ¹

Example Sentences

The only people who benefit are scummy politicians like Trump, who ruin lives to gain votes and dance away from the social ruins the rest of us have to live in.

From Salon

And there are bad, scummy, volatile meme stocks like Bed Bath & Beyond.

From Slate

But it’s not too late to rescue even a disaster like scummy tea.

From New York Times

"Prison left me feeling really awful about myself. I told myself I was just a scummy junkie who didn't deserve good things."

From BBC

But the new logo is just a reminder that Twitter these days is flooded with scummy and hateful people, while the best folks are fleeing.

From Salon

Related Words

• contaminated
• crummy
• disheveled
• dusty
• filthy
• greasy
• grimy
• messy
• muddy
• murky
• nasty
• polluted
• sloppy
• stained
• unkempt