slimeball: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-to-MediumInformal, Slang, Pejorative
Quick answer
What does “slimeball” mean?
A person who is considered morally repulsive, untrustworthy, or contemptible.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is considered morally repulsive, untrustworthy, or contemptible.
A slimy substance formed into a ball; or, in zoology, a slug or snail; a term of extreme disapproval for a person.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The slang sense is nearly identical. The literal sense (ball of slime, a snail) is perhaps more likely to be used in UK naturalist contexts.
Connotations
Equally pejorative in both. Slightly more humorous/popular culture connotations in US (e.g., 1980s teen movies, 'Ghostbusters').
Frequency
Frequency of slang use is comparable. Considered a vivid, but somewhat dated insult.
Grammar
How to Use “slimeball” in a Sentence
be a slimeballcall someone a slimeballthink someone is a slimeballact like a slimeballVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “slimeball” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Very rare; slang conversion) "He tried to slimeball his way into the deal."
American English
- (Very rare) "Don't slimeball me with your fake apologies."
adjective
British English
- (Rare, attributive) "He's got that slimeball charm some people fall for."
American English
- (Rare, attributive) "I won't do business with his slimeball company."
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used informally to describe a ruthless or unethical competitor/colleague. Avoid in formal reports.
Academic
Not used in formal academic writing. May appear in literary/cultural analysis of slang or pejorative language.
Everyday
Used as a strong, informal insult for someone perceived as dishonest, manipulative, or sleazy.
Technical
In biology, a literal descriptor (e.g., 'the slug left a slimeball trail'). Rare.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “slimeball”
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Spelling as two words: 'slime ball'. (Standard is one word for the slang sense; sometimes two for the literal.)
- Confusing with 'scumbag' (which is stronger and implies even lower status).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a strong, informal insult. It is pejorative and offensive, so use it cautiously, usually only among friends or when expressing strong disapproval.
Yes, it can, though it is more commonly applied to men. Synonyms like 'snake' or simply 'horrible person' might be used more gender-neutrally.
Literally, it can mean a ball made of slime, or it can be a colloquial term for a slug or snail.
It peaked in the 1980s/90s but remains understood and used. It has a slightly dated feel but is still an effective, vivid insult.
A person who is considered morally repulsive, untrustworthy, or contemptible.
Slimeball is usually informal, slang, pejorative in register.
Slimeball: in British English it is pronounced /ˈslaɪm.bɔːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈslaɪm.bɑːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “slimy as a slimeball (intensifier)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Picture a slick, untrustworthy person covered in green slime, trying to shake your hand. The 'ball' part suggests they are a complete, packaged unit of sliminess.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEOPLE ARE SUBSTANCES / IMMORALITY IS FILTH. A corrupt person is conceptualized as a disgusting, viscous, contaminating physical substance.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would calling someone a 'slimeball' be LEAST appropriate?