scuzz
/skʌz/ IELTSAcademic
noun
Very dirty or unpleasant-looking stuff, often built-up grime or sludge. It can also describe a person who seems sleazy or morally unpleasant.
- There was scuzz under the fridge.
- He talked like a real scuzz.
- The sink was full of scuzz.
- That deal felt like scuzz to me.
Adinary Nuance
Scuzz is less standard than dirt or grime, and it sounds rough or slangy. For a person, it is harsher than unpleasant and close to sleazy or slimeball. Writers choose it for a strongly negative, informal tone.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- bẩn thỉu
- Spanish
- suciedad
- Chinese
- 污垢
- Japanese
- 汚れ
- Korean
- 때
Etymology
Scuzz appeared in American English in the mid-20th century. Its exact origin is unclear, but it may be related to scum or slang forms for dirt and filth.
Common phrases
scuzz and grimea layer of scuzzlook like scuzzclean off the scuzz
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is scuzz a common word?
- No, it is informal and fairly rare. People use it mostly in speech or harsh, colorful writing.
- Can I use scuzz in formal writing?
- Usually no. In formal writing, use dirt, grime, filth, or unpleasant instead.
- Is scuzz only about dirt?
- No. It can also describe a person who seems dirty, sleazy, or morally low.
- What is the difference between scuzz and scum?
- Scum usually means a layer of dirt or a very bad person. Scuzz is more slangy and rough.