Scuzzes

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Used to refer to individuals regarded as filthy or contemptible; a plural form expressing more than one person of such low character ; can also describe stains, grime, or unpleasant substances in multiple instances
2. A term applying to several people seen as repulsive or morally degraded ; also referencing multiple spots of grime or dirt ; the plural indicating numerous such entities or objects
3. Describes groups of persons who are considered sleazy or disreputable ; can indicate various dirty marks or residues ; conveys the idea of multiple examples of filth or uncleanliness

Etymology: "Scuzzes" is simply the plural of "scuzz", a noun for sleazy, low-life people. The singular is a back-formation from "scuzzy", meaning that "scuzz" was created by stripping the ending off an existing adjective rather than being built up from a root. "Scuzzy" is the older word, and "scuzz" arose from it by treating the "-y" as if it were a suffix that could be removed. The adjective "scuzzy" describes something dirty, shabby or disreputable, and the noun grew out of that sense of grubbiness. Because the plural simply adds "-es" to a word ending in "z", the form takes the same spelling pattern as "buzzes" or "fizzes", which is why it reads so naturally.