pond scum

• Expression familière et insultante servant à dénigrer quelqu'un en le comparant à la vase ou aux algues vertes qui se forment à la surface des eaux stagnantes (comme les mares). Cela implique que la personne est méprisable, insignifiante ou répugnante.

A derogatory slang term used to insult someone, comparing them to the unpleasant green algae or slime that forms on the surface of stagnant ponds. It implies the person is worthless, disgusting, or contemptible.

1. Literal: Algae on waterB1formal

   A layer of algae or other small plants that forms on the surface of stagnant or slow-moving water.

   Vase verte (algues d'eau dormante)

   • The pond was covered in a thick layer of green pond scum.
   • Pond scum can be a sign of nutrient pollution in the water.
   • We had to clean the pond scum off the surface before swimming.

2. Slang: InsultC1slangamerican

   A highly offensive term used to describe a person or group considered worthless, contemptible, or despicable.

   Racaille (insulte)

   • He called the corrupt politician 'pond scum' during the argument.
   • Those cheaters are nothing but pond scum.
   • Don't listen to him; he's pond scum.