подонок (podonok)
What does подонок (podonok) mean? подонок (podonok) is a Russian strong that translates to “scum / lowlife” in English.
Literal Translation
dregs / sediment
Meaning & Usage
01
"scum / lowlife"
The dregs at the bottom of the barrel — that's what you're calling someone. A подонок is a morally reprehensible person, someone who's sunk to the lowest level of human behavior. The metaphor is vivid: they're the sediment that settles at the bottom when everything worthwhile has been removed.
Examples in the Wild
In a heated accusation: 'Ты подонок' (You're scum). Also common in newspaper headlines about criminals.