Slops

Primarily used in a historical or agricultural context, 'slops' refers to the leftover food or liquid waste, typically from human or animal consumption. It often describes a mixture of inedible or unwanted substances, often fed to livestock. The term also carries a connotation of being unappetizing, messy, and of low quality. It can also figuratively describe substandard or poorly made products or processes. Its use is often associated with poverty or frugality, reflecting a time when resources were scarce and waste was minimized. It highlights the contrast between what is valued and what is discarded.

Slops meaning with examples

• The farmer collected the kitchen slops daily, a mixture of vegetable scraps and stale bread, to feed his pigs. This ensured nothing went to waste and maximized the use of available resources, ensuring the animals were well-fed and strong for the market.
• During the long voyage, sailors often received slops as part of their meager rations, a stew of whatever could be salvaged. They faced the challenge of consuming the unappetizing mixture to sustain themselves as they crossed the vast ocean during this pivotal time.
• The factory's effluent, the industrial slops discharged into the river, polluted the water and devastated the local wildlife. Ignoring environmental regulations had catastrophic consequences on the habitat and the surrounding local communities
• In his memoirs, the author described his childhood experiences with the slops when the family's meals ended, and how the concept represented the low position they once held in society. It was a poignant reminder of their earlier hardships and limited means.
• The old-fashioned method of churning butter created slops that had to be separated from the main product to ensure a consistent quality. It involved tedious labor and careful handling of the various constituents, requiring a keen eye.