What does trash mean?
Trash is a common word for material or objects that have been discarded and are no longer wanted. In everyday use, it can refer to household waste, but it also means anything considered worthless, inferior, or fit only for disposal. The figurative noun can describe a person whom the speaker regards with contempt, although this use is insulting and usually informal. As a verb, trash means to throw something away or treat it as worthless, but it can also mean to destroy, damage, or criticize something severely. The adjective describes something of poor quality, as in trash food or a trash phone. Across these meanings, trash conveys rejection, disposal, and low esteem. It is especially useful when describing not only literal rubbish but also things that have lost their value in a social, artistic, or practical judgment.
Discarded waste material; something regarded as worthless; or, informally, a person considered contemptible.
"The crew cleaned up the trash after the concert."
The personal sense is derogatory and usually informal.
To discard or treat something as worthless; to destroy or damage something badly; or to criticize something harshly.
"They trashed the old equipment after the upgrade."
The figurative meanings are informal and often strongly disapproving.
Of poor quality or regarded as worthless.
"The phone was trash and stopped working after a week."
This use is informal and frequently disparaging.
Trash is usually an uncountable mass noun; a separate plural is not standard in ordinary usage.
"The trash was collected early in the morning."
Trash is a linguistic double act: it can describe what has been thrown away, or a person whom someone considers beneath contempt.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does trash come from?
The precise origin of the English word trash is uncertain, and it is not confidently traceable to a known Latin, Greek, or Germanic root. It developed in English with meanings connected with discarded material and things considered worthless. Its figurative uses expanded from that literal sense to describe contemptible people, poor-quality things, destructive treatment, and harsh criticism.
Related word forms
How trash is actually used
The noun and verb are informal in many contexts. Calling a person trash is dismissive and potentially insulting, while the adjective is especially common in informal speech and advertising. The verb can be used metaphorically for destructive treatment or severe criticism.
Easily confused with trash
Thrash means to beat repeatedly or struggle violently, whereas trash means to discard something, treat it as worthless, or criticize it harshly.