Dregs
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "dregs" means the last little bit left at the bottom - whether that’s coffee, soda, chip crumbs, or even the worst people in a crowd.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
You know that chunky dust at the bottom corner of the chip bag? That's the 'dregs', and it's my favorite part. Hillbilly Dude Says...
You know that chunky dust at the bottom corner of the chip bag? That's the 'dregs', and it's my favorite part. Pronunciation
[DREGZ]
Meaning & Usage
- Leftover bits at the bottom (noun)
Mae:
All that’s left is the dregs of the coffee pot.
All that’s left is the dregs of the coffee pot.
Earl:
Pour it out, we’ll make a fresh batch.
Pour it out, we’ll make a fresh batch.- The worst part, people, or quality (noun)
Mae:
They hired the dregs for that work crew.
They hired the dregs for that work crew.
Earl:
Ain’t no wonder the job’s half-done.
Ain’t no wonder the job’s half-done.variations: leftovers, remnants, sediment, scraps, bottom-of-the-bag, worst of the lot
★ "Dregs" can mean what’s left at the bottom - or the bottom rung of society. Locals use it both ways, serious or joking. ★
Origin and Etymology
From Middle English, borrowed from Old Norse *dregg* meaning sediment or lees in liquid. Carried into Appalachian and Southern talk to mean any last scraps or worst remains.
Usage Notes
Still common in casual Southern and Appalachian speech. Often used for food/drink leftovers, but also for people or situations at their worst.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "dregs." Short, sharp, one syllable.