dregs
The last scraps left at the bottom, or the worst of a batch.
Updated September 21, 2026
dregs pronunciation
/DREGZ/
Meaning
Literally, the grit and leftover liquid at the bottom of a coffee pot, cup, or jar. Out in rural Southern talk, folks stretch it to any last scraps you scrape up, and also to the lowest-quality leftovers of a group or deal. You can say it about coffee, chip crumbs, or a sorry work crew.
How folks use it
- “All that's left in the pot is the dregs. Make a fresh batch.”
- “They gave us the dregs of the herd and called it a bargain.”
Origin and etymology
Old English and Norse roots for the sediment left in a drink. The word is general English, not mountain-only. Rural Southern and Appalachian speakers keep it busy for kitchen leftovers and for calling out something or somebody at the bottom of the pile.
Frequently asked questions
Is dregs only about coffee or wine?
No. That is the old literal sense. Around here it also covers scraps, crumbs, and the worst leftovers of almost anything.