slanging match: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, slightly dated
Quick answer
What does “slanging match” mean?
A noisy argument where people insult each other angrily.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A noisy argument where people insult each other angrily.
A prolonged, often public, exchange of verbal abuse, insults, or invective, typically characterized by heated, undignified language rather than rational debate. It implies a contest of insults.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is more commonly used and immediately recognized in British English. American English speakers would understand it, but are more likely to use terms like "shouting match," "war of words," or simply "exchange of insults."
Connotations
Both varieties share the core connotation of an undignified, angry argument. In BrE, it carries a slight connotation of being a spectator event (like a sporting match).
Frequency
Moderately frequent in UK journalism and conversation. Much less frequent in US usage, where it may sound like a Britishism.
Grammar
How to Use “slanging match” in a Sentence
[have/get into/be involved in] a slanging match (with someone) (over/about something)The debate degenerated into a slanging match.A slanging match erupted/broke out.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “slanging match” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They were slanging each other off all night.
- The MPs slanged it out during the session.
American English
- (Rare as a verb in this context. AmE would use 'insulting' or 'berating')
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb).
American English
- (Not used as an adverb).
adjective
British English
- (No direct adjectival form. Use 'slanging' attributively: 'a slanging session').
American English
- (No direct adjectival form).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Generally unprofessional. 'The board meeting turned into a slanging match, damaging the company's image.'
Academic
Rare and pejorative. Used to criticize uncivil discourse: 'The academic debate unfortunately devolved into a slanging match.'
Everyday
Common for describing family, neighbour, or political disputes: 'They had a proper slanging match over the garden fence.'
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “slanging match”
- Using it to describe a constructive debate. • Mis-spelling as 'slanging mash' or 'slanging march'. • Confusing with 'shouting match', which emphasizes volume over specific insults.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very similar, but not identical. A 'shouting match' emphasizes loudness and anger. A 'slanging match' emphasizes the use of insults, abuse, or coarse language (slang), though it is often also loud.
It is informal. You would not use it in a formal report or academic paper, though it might appear in journalism to describe undignified political disputes.
It originates from the verb 'to slang,' an old term meaning to abuse or revile with words, combined with 'match' in the sense of a contest. It has been in use since the late 19th century.
A noisy argument where people insult each other angrily.
Slanging match: in British English it is pronounced /ˈslæŋ.ɪŋ ˌmætʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈslæŋ.ɪŋ ˌmætʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “degenerate into a slanging match”
- “descend into a slanging match”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine two people playing a tennis MATCH, but instead of a ball, they are SLANGing (using slang/insults) back and forth across the net.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT IS WAR / ARGUMENT IS SPORT (a competitive, rule-bound conflict).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes a 'slanging match'?