escoria
/ehs-KOH-ryah/
slag
Escoria refers to slag, the waste material produced during the smelting of ore.
escoria(noun)
slag
?waste material from smelting
dross
?impurities on the surface of molten metal
,refuse
?general waste
📝 In Action
La escoria que se produce al fundir el hierro debe ser retirada y desechada.
B2The slag produced when melting iron must be removed and discarded.
Encontraron restos de escoria antigua en el sitio de la mina romana.
B2They found remains of ancient dross at the Roman mine site.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine
Even though it refers to material waste, 'escoria' is always a feminine word, so you must use 'la escoria' or 'una escoria'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Literal Meaning
This definition refers to the literal, physical waste that results from separating metal from ore. Think of it as the 'trash' left over after purification.
Escoria can also be used figuratively to mean scum, referring to a despicable person or group.
escoria(noun)
scum
?despicable person or group
,trash
?contemptuous term for people
lowlife
?a morally bankrupt person
,vermin
?contemptuous term for a group
📝 In Action
Esa gente que roba a los pobres es la escoria de la sociedad.
C1Those people who steal from the poor are the scum of society.
No quiero tener nada que ver con esa escoria.
C1I don't want anything to do with that lowlife (or trash).
💡 Grammar Points
Feminine Insult
Even when you use 'escoria' to talk about a man or a mixed group, the word itself remains feminine: 'Él es una escoria' (He is scum).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Gender Misunderstanding
Mistake: "Using the word as masculine when referring to a man: 'Él es un escorio.'"
Correction: The word 'escoria' is a feminine noun regardless of the person's gender: 'Él es una escoria.' This happens because you are calling the person a 'piece of trash' (the waste material).
⭐ Usage Tips
Be Careful!
This word is extremely offensive and should only be used in highly confrontational situations or when describing truly awful behavior. It carries strong contempt.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: escoria
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'escoria' in its literal, physical meaning?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
If I call a man 'escoria,' is it still a feminine noun?
Yes, absolutely. 'Escoria' is a feminine noun (like 'persona' or 'víctima'). You are calling the person 'a piece of trash,' so the word itself does not change its gender, even if the person you are referring to is male. You must say 'Él es una escoria.'
How strong of an insult is 'escoria'?
It is a very strong and offensive insult. It implies that a person is utterly worthless, morally repugnant, and the worst element of society. Use it with caution!