lashing
B2Neutral to Informal; Technical (Nautical)
Definition
Meaning
The act of striking with force, often with a whip or rope, or a large amount of something.
As a verb-derived noun, it can also describe a severe criticism or a heavy downpour of rain. As a noun in nautical contexts, it refers to a rope used for fastening.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primary sense (striking) is dramatic/formal. The 'large amount' sense is primarily British/Irish informal. The nautical sense is technical.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Brit. informal: 'lashings of' = lots of (e.g., 'lashings of cream'). Amer.: this usage is rare/understood but not idiomatic. Nautical sense is shared.
Connotations
In both, 'a lashing' as a beating connotes punishment or extreme weather. The 'large amount' sense in BrE has a positive, old-fashioned, hearty connotation (e.g., from children's literature).
Frequency
The 'large amount' sense is frequent in BrE informal speech and writing; in AmE, the physical punishment/storm sense is more common.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
give [sb] a lashingthe [storm/wind] is lashing [sth]lashings of [sth]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “lash out (at)”
- “lashings and leavings (archaic BrE = plenty)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except metaphorically: 'The CEO gave the team a lashing for the poor quarterly results.'
Academic
Used in historical/social contexts describing corporal punishment or in meteorology.
Everyday
Describing heavy rain ('The lashing against the windows kept me awake') or informal BrE 'lashings of butter'.
Technical
Nautical: 'Secure the cargo with a stout lashing.' Sailing/rigging manuals.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The sleet was lashing the hillside relentlessly.
- He lashed the two poles together securely.
American English
- The critic lashed the film's director in his review.
- Waves lashed against the breakwater.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; 'lashingly' is obsolete.)
American English
- (Not standard; 'lashingly' is obsolete.)
adjective
British English
- We stood in the lashing rain for the bus.
- (Not commonly used as a pure adjective)
American English
- The lashing winds caused widespread power outages.
- (Not commonly used as a pure adjective)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The rain is lashing down.
- He used a rope for the lashing.
- The storm is lashing the coast with high winds.
- She gave him a severe lashing for his carelessness.
- The politician received a public lashing from the press over the scandal.
- We enjoyed scones with lashings of jam and clotted cream.
- The nautical instructor demonstrated the proper technique for a square lashing to secure the spars.
- His speech was a fierce lashing, leaving the committee in no doubt about his disapproval.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LASH from a whip striking ING repeatedly = LASHING.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITICISM IS PHYSICAL PUNISHMENT ('a verbal lashing'); ABUNDANCE IS A LIQUID DELUGE ('lashings of gravy').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'лашинг' (not a word). For 'lashings of', think 'уйма', 'море' (informal), not direct translation of 'удар'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'lashings of' in formal AmE writing. Confusing verb 'lash' (to strike) with 'lash' (eyelash).
Practice
Quiz
In which dialect is the phrase 'lashings of cream' most idiomatic?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its original meaning involves striking, it is commonly used for heavy rain ('lashing down') and informally in BrE to mean a large amount ('lashings of').
'Lashing' is the present participle/gerund of the verb 'to lash'. As a standalone noun, it is derived from this verb.
No, it is informal and particularly associated with British and Irish English. It has a somewhat old-fashioned or literary tone.
It is a length of rope or line used to fasten or secure something, like sails, oars, or cargo. Different knots and wraps have specific names (e.g., 'square lashing').