# scum of the earth

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/scum-of-the-earth
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- Most people think that thieves are the scum of the earth.
- The judge told the criminal that he was the scum of the earth for stealing from the elderly.
- The detective looked at the man with pure disgust, convinced that he was the absolute scum of the earth for his cruel actions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.