dreg
C1/C2Formal, Literary, Figurative
Definition
Meaning
A small, solid particle that settles at the bottom of a liquid, especially a drink, after it has been left to stand; often associated with something undesirable or leftover.
The most worthless or least desirable part or remnant of something; the leftover residue of people or things.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Dreg" is rarely used in the singular outside of the fixed phrase "last dreg". The standard plural "dregs" is far more common and encompasses both the literal and figurative meanings. The word inherently carries a negative, pejorative connotation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both variants use the singular form rarely and prefer the plural 'dregs'. The fixed phrase 'the dregs of society' is equally common in both.
Connotations
Identical negative connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency, literary/figurative term in both BrE and AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N of N (the dregs of society/the coffee)ADJ N (the last dreg)V the N (drain the dregs)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the dregs of society/humanity”
- “drink/drain something to the dregs”
- “the last dregs of hope/strength”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Extremely rare. Potentially metaphorical in restructuring: "sold off the dregs of the old portfolio".
Academic
Rare, but possible in literary criticism or sociology when used figuratively.
Everyday
Limited to specific contexts like noting sediment in a drink. More common in its figurative use.
Technical
Possible in brewing, viticulture, or chemistry to describe solid residue.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- No standard verb form in use.
American English
- No standard verb form in use.
adverb
British English
- No adverb form.
American English
- No adverb form.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjective form. 'Dreggy' is non-standard and rare.
American English
- No standard adjective form. 'Dreggy' is non-standard and rare.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I don't like the dregs in my tea.
- There were coffee dregs in the cup.
- He poured the last dregs of the wine into his glass.
- The dregs of the coffee tasted bitter.
- After the party, only the dregs of the bottle remained.
- Politicians often claim to help the dregs of society.
- She felt she was scraping the last dregs of her creativity.
- The regime's propaganda dehumanised its opponents as the dregs of humanity.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of DRankinG a coffee and seeing the dark GRains at the bottom. DREGs are the GRains left in your mug.
Conceptual Metaphor
WORTHLESS THINGS ARE SEDIMENT/SOLID WASTE; SOCIETY IS A LIQUID (with the dregs at the bottom).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "дрег" (non-existent).
- The common Russian translation "осадок" is accurate for the literal sense, but for figurative use (dregs of society), "отбросы общества" or "подонки" are closer.
- Avoid using a singular form in most contexts; 'dregs' is the standard form.
Common Mistakes
- Using the singular 'dreg' in general contexts (e.g., 'a dreg of coffee'). Use 'a bit of sediment' or, more commonly, the plural.
- Misspelling as 'dredge'.
- Mispronouncing the vowel as /drɪɡ/ instead of /dreɡ/.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most common and natural use of the word?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Dregs' is overwhelmingly more common. The singular 'dreg' is almost exclusively used in the fixed phrase 'last dreg'.
Yes, figuratively and pejoratively. 'The dregs of society' is a common idiom meaning the people considered the worst or most worthless in a social group.
It is more literary or formal, especially in its figurative sense. In everyday talk about coffee grounds, 'sediment' or simply 'bits at the bottom' might be more frequent.
They are often synonyms for solids in liquid. 'Sediment' is more neutral and technical. 'Dregs' is more likely for drinks (tea, wine, coffee) and carries a stronger figurative potential for worthlessness.