Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[missdaredevil]

what's the difference between garbage and trash?

[bud]

Most often, they are synonyms. Sometimes, though, trash is used as a synonym for litter, while garbage is not used in that way.

E.g.,
Dave, will you please take out the garbage/trash? (either is ok)
What days do they pick up the garbage/trash in this town?
This city looks awful. Look at all the trash in the street! (but not garbage)

They are also both used as insulting terms for people who are considered to have low moral/ethic values: I'd never hang out with Bill. He's nothing but trash/garbage.

[missdaredevil]

Thanks for pointing out the subtle difference; something that otherwise I wouldn't know.

[missdaredevil]

Another dumb question.

What if there is trash on street *bagged*? Does that make it garbage?

[bud]

Not a dumb question at all... My guess is that then either word could be used to describe it.