The glassy substance that comes from molten metals is called slag.
The first step we are going to take before entering fully into the definition of the term scum is to know its etymological origin. In this case, we can emphasize that it is a word that derives from Latin, exactly from scoria . However, this Latin word, in turn, comes from Greek, specifically from skoría , which is the result of the sum of two lexical components:
-The noun skor , which can be translated as “excrement” or “waste.”
-The suffix -ía , which is used to indicate a quality.
Slag, a byproduct of metal smelting
The term scum has several meanings depending on the context.
The first meaning mentioned by the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ) refers to a glassy substance coming from molten metals , which binds to fluxes and other elements. In this sense, slag is a byproduct from the smelting process.
Slags may contain metal oxides , metal sulfides and other elements. They are mainly used to eliminate certain waste, although they also help to keep the temperature stable and reduce reoxidation of the final metal. Generally, the slag is not discarded, but is reused in different ways (to strengthen walls, in paving, etc.).
Of coal and volcanoes
The matter that comes out of the hot iron when it is hammered and the residue from the combustion of coal can also be called slag.
In the same way, we cannot ignore the existence of what is known as volcanic slag . Specifically, this term attempts to refer to materials that have volcanic origin. Exactly we can establish that it is born from what is fluid magma that is poor in silica and, however, is rich in ferro-magnesian. Furthermore, this material is vesiculated and rough.
Someone evil can be referred to as scum.
Scum as a qualification for someone evil or harmful
Scum, finally, is someone or something that does not deserve any positive evaluation since it is harmful , vile or evil . For example : “That man is a scumbag, I suggest you don't have anything to do with him” , “I'm sick of this scumbag! I'm going to resign” , “Fascist scum is the worst thing in our society” .
A political leader, to cite one case, can describe the terrorists who carried out an attack that caused dozens of fatalities as “scum.” In his opinion, aggressors do not want or deserve to integrate into society , which is why they should be isolated in prisons so that they do not cause more harm. This type of qualification, of course, minimizes or simplifies the social and political problems linked to terrorism.
The concept in literature
In the cultural field, the term has been used on different occasions to give titles to works of various kinds. A good example of this is the novel titled “Scum” , which is written by Irvine Welsh and is part of the detective genre.
Specifically, it takes as its protagonist police sergeant Bruce Robertson, who stands out for being complicated, aggressive, racist, homophobic and misogynist, without overlooking the fact that he is a regular client of prostitutes and that he consumes drugs of all kinds. But not only that. In addition, he plays very dangerous sexual games and loves to spread false rumors about his coworkers.