Top 20 Slang For Remains – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to discussing the topic of remains, the language can often be somber and serious. But fear not, we at Fluentslang are here to lighten things up with a list of quirky and unique slang terms that are sure to pique your curiosity. From old-school classics to modern-day gems, this compilation will have you looking at remains in a whole new light. So, buckle up and get ready to explore the fascinating world of slang for remains!

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1. Ashes

This term refers to the remains of a person or object after it has been cremated. Ashes are typically collected and stored in an urn or scattered in a meaningful location.

For example, when discussing funeral arrangements, someone might say, “We will be scattering his ashes at his favorite beach.”
A person reflecting on a loved one’s passing might say, “I still have her ashes on my mantel, it brings me comfort.”
In a conversation about end-of-life choices, someone might mention, “I’ve decided to be cremated and have my ashes spread in the mountains.”

2. Corpse

This term refers to a dead body, usually of a human. It is commonly used in medical or forensic contexts.

For instance, during a crime investigation, a detective might say, “We found the corpse in the basement.”
In a horror movie, a character might exclaim, “There’s a creepy cadaver in the morgue!”
When discussing anatomy, a medical student might say, “We have a cadaver lab this afternoon.”

3. Bones

This term refers to the hard, rigid structures that make up the framework of the body. It can also be used to refer to the remains of a dead body, particularly when the bones are the only part that remains.

For example, when discussing a historical discovery, an archaeologist might say, “We found the skeleton’s bones buried beneath the ancient ruins.”
In a spooky story, a character might encounter a pile of bones and exclaim, “It looks like someone didn’t make it out of here alive.”
When learning about the human body, a student might study a diagram of the skeleton and point out, “These are the bones that provide support and protection.”

4. Dust

In slang, “dust” can refer to the remains of a person or object that has decayed or disintegrated into fine particles. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is no longer relevant or significant.

For instance, when cleaning out an old attic, someone might say, “All that’s left is a layer of dust.”
In a conversation about forgotten memories, a person might say, “Those moments are just dust in the wind now.”
When discussing the aftermath of a disaster, someone might describe the scene as “reduced to dust and rubble.”

5. Remnants

This term refers to the remaining parts or pieces of something that has been destroyed, used up, or taken away. It can be used to describe the remains of a person or object.

For example, when discussing a demolished building, someone might say, “All that’s left are the remnants of its former glory.”
In a conversation about a failed relationship, a person might reflect, “I’m just trying to move on from the remnants of our love.”
When talking about a discontinued product, someone might say, “I managed to find a few remnants of it on eBay.”

6. Carcass

A carcass refers to the dead body of an animal, usually used to describe the remains of a large animal such as a whale or elephant. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a lifeless or decaying object or entity.

For example, “The vultures gathered around the carcass of the wildebeest.”
In a discussion about conservation, someone might mention, “The poachers left behind the carcasses of several rhinos.”
A person describing a dilapidated building might say, “The abandoned factory is nothing but a crumbling carcass now.”

7. Debris

Debris refers to scattered fragments or remains of something that has been destroyed or broken apart. It can be used to describe physical objects or metaphorically to describe the aftermath of a disaster or conflict.

For instance, “After the explosion, the debris from the building was scattered across the street.”
In a conversation about environmental pollution, someone might mention, “Plastic debris is a major problem in our oceans.”
A person discussing the aftermath of a tornado might say, “The debris from the destroyed houses was strewn for miles.”

8. Relics

Relics are objects or remains from the past that hold historical, cultural, or sentimental value. They are often considered to be sacred or significant in some way.

For example, “The museum houses ancient relics from the Roman Empire.”
In a discussion about archaeology, someone might mention, “The relics found at the dig site provide valuable insights into the lives of ancient civilizations.”
A person talking about family history might say, “The old photo albums and letters are cherished relics of our ancestors.”

9. Ruins

Ruins refer to the remains of a structure, typically a building or monument, that has been destroyed or fallen into disrepair. They often hold historical or cultural significance.

For instance, “The ruins of the ancient city attract tourists from around the world.”
In a conversation about urban exploration, someone might mention, “We explored the ruins of the abandoned hospital.”
A person discussing the effects of war might say, “The city was left in ruins after the bombing.”

10. Residue

Residue refers to the traces or remnants left behind after something has been removed or used. It can be used to describe physical substances or metaphorically to describe lingering effects or emotions.

For example, “There was a sticky residue left on the table after the spilled soda was cleaned up.”
In a discussion about drug testing, someone might mention, “The residue of the drug can be detected in a person’s hair.”
A person describing the aftermath of a relationship might say, “There’s still a residue of sadness after the breakup.”

11. Cadaver

This term is commonly used in medical and forensic contexts to refer to a dead human body. It is derived from the Latin word “cadaver,” meaning “to fall down” or “to perish.”

For example, a medical student might study cadavers in anatomy class.
In a crime scene investigation, detectives might examine the cadaver for evidence.
A pathologist might use a cadaver to study the effects of a disease on the body.

12. Remains

This term is a general way to refer to what is left after something has been destroyed or removed. In the context of human or animal bodies, it specifically refers to the remaining parts after death.

For instance, archaeologists might uncover ancient remains during a dig.
In a murder investigation, detectives might collect DNA evidence from the remains.
A person discussing burial options might say, “I want to be cremated, and my remains scattered at sea.”

13. Skeleton

This term refers to the rigid framework of bones that supports and protects the soft tissues of a living organism. In the context of remains, it specifically refers to the bony structure left behind after decomposition or other processes.

For example, a paleontologist might study dinosaur skeletons to learn about prehistoric life.
In a forensic investigation, the skeleton can provide valuable clues about the cause of death.
A person discussing anatomy might say, “The human skeleton is composed of 206 bones.”

14. Rems

This term is a shortened version of “remains” and is often used in informal or slang contexts. It can refer to the leftover or remaining parts of something, including human or animal bodies.

For instance, someone might say, “I’ll take care of the rems after dinner.”
In a conversation about cleaning up, a person might ask, “Who’s going to deal with the rems?”
A pet owner might say, “I need to clean up my dog’s rems from the backyard.”

15. Ash

This term specifically refers to the powdery residue that remains after a body has been cremated. It is often used in the context of cremation and can also be used metaphorically to represent the remnants or memory of something or someone.

For example, a person might scatter the ashes of a loved one in a meaningful location.
In a discussion about environmental impact, someone might say, “Cremation produces less ash compared to traditional burials.”
A poet might write, “From the ashes, new life will rise.”

16. Skele

This term is a shortened version of “skeleton” and is used to refer to human or animal remains. It is often used in a casual or humorous context.

For example, someone might say, “Check out these ancient skeles I found at the museum.”
In a video game, a character might say, “Collect enough skeles to unlock a bonus level.”
A person jokingly commenting on a Halloween decoration might say, “Nice skele you’ve got there!”

17. Stiffs

This term is a slang word for dead bodies, particularly in a derogatory or disrespectful manner. It is often used in a dark or humorous context.

For instance, someone might say, “The graveyard is full of stiffs.”
In a crime movie, a character might say, “We dumped the stiffs in the river to hide the evidence.”
A person jokingly commenting on a horror movie might say, “I can’t handle all these stiffs!”

18. Mortal remains

This term refers to the physical remains of a deceased person, emphasizing the mortal nature of the body. It is often used in a more formal or respectful context.

For example, a funeral director might say, “We will now proceed with the burial of the mortal remains.”
In a eulogy, someone might say, “We gather here today to honor the memory of our loved one and bid farewell to their mortal remains.”
A person discussing burial customs might say, “Different cultures have various rituals and traditions surrounding the handling of mortal remains.”

19. Leftovers

While not specific to human or animal remains, the term “leftovers” can be used to refer to the remnants of a living being. It is often used in a casual or colloquial context.

For instance, someone might say, “I’m going to throw out the leftovers from last night’s dinner.”
In a discussion about food, a person might ask, “What do you do with your leftovers?”
A person jokingly commenting on a messy room might say, “Looks like a tornado hit this place. Time to clean up the leftovers!”

20. Vestiges

While not exclusively used to refer to human or animal remains, the term “vestiges” can be used to describe the traces or remnants of something that once existed. It is often used in a more poetic or philosophical context.

For example, a historian might say, “The ruins of this ancient civilization are the vestiges of a once-great empire.”
In a discussion about evolution, someone might mention, “Whales still retain vestiges of their ancestors’ leg bones.”
A person reflecting on their past might say, “I look back on my childhood with fondness, but only vestiges of those memories remain.”