The term 'worthless item' can be summarized by two crossword solutions: 'STRAW' and 'TRIPE'. STRAW is a hollow, cylindrical stem of a cereal plant, such as wheat or rye, used for various purposes including fodder, thatching, and basket-making. TRIPE is the edible lining of the stomachs of certain animals, such as cows and sheep, usually boiled and served as food. Both STRAW and TRIPE are considered to be worthless items, as they have little to no value in terms of nutrition or practical use.