sling
B2Neutral to informal. Common in everyday speech; technical/medical usage for the support device.
Definition
Meaning
To throw or hurl something loosely or with force; a device, often made of straps or cloth, for carrying or supporting something.
To suspend or hang something loosely; to suspend someone from a job or position; a device for supporting an injured limb; a weapon for hurling stones.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb is irregular (sling, slung, slung). The noun 'sling' for a weapon is archaic in modern warfare but retains cultural/historical use. The medical 'sling' is a concrete, technical term.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage largely identical. Minor spelling preferences in compounds (e.g., 'slingback' shoe). The verb 'to sling one's hook' (to leave) is chiefly British slang.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'sling' can imply casualness or carelessness when throwing. 'Slinging mud' (making accusations) and 'slinging drinks' (working as a bartender) are neutral.
Frequency
Similar frequency. The medical sense is universally common. The weapon sense is low-frequency in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Sling + OBJ + PrepP] (He slung the bag over his shoulder.)[Sling + OBJ + Particle] (They slung him out of the pub.)[Sling + OBJ + AdjP] (She slung the door open.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sling your hook (BrE)”
- “sling mud at someone”
- “sling hash (AmE, informal: work as a waiter/cook)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Informal: 'to be slung out' (removed from a position).
Academic
Rare, except in historical/archaeological contexts discussing projectile weapons.
Everyday
Very common: carrying bags, throwing casually, medical support.
Technical
Medical: 'arm sling'. Engineering: 'sling' for lifting loads.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He slung his jacket over the back of the chair.
- The landlord slung the noisy patrons out.
- She slung a hammock between the two trees.
American English
- He slung his backpack over one shoulder.
- The bouncer slung the troublemaker out of the bar.
- They slung a tarp over the firewood.
adverb
British English
- Not a standard adverbial form.
American English
- Not a standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- She wore slingback heels to the party.
- The sling seat was uncomfortable.
American English
- She bought a pair of slingback pumps.
- The mechanic used a sling lift.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Her arm was in a sling after she fell.
- He slung his bag on the floor.
- The baby slept peacefully in the sling.
- She slung the rope around the post.
- Politicians often sling mud at their opponents during campaigns.
- The old well had a rope and sling for lowering buckets.
- The company slung him out after the scandal, despite his years of service.
- Archaeologists found a collection of stones designed for use in a sling.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SINGER with a broken arm in a SLING, trying to SLING (throw) a microphone with their good arm.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITICISM/INSULTS ARE PROJECTILES ('slinging insults'). SUSPENSION IS SUPPORT ('sling a hammock').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- False friend: 'слинг' (baby sling) is a direct borrowing, correct. But do not translate the verb 'sling' as 'слинять' (to fade).
- The verb 'to sling' is broader than 'швырять'; it can imply suspending ('перекинуть через плечо').
Common Mistakes
- *He slinged the stone. (Incorrect past tense; correct: slung)
- Confusing 'sling' (throw) with 'fling' (more emotional/forceful).
- Using the medical 'sling' as a verb (*'They slinged his arm.').
Practice
Quiz
What does the phrasal verb 'sling out' mean in this sentence: 'The angry manager slung him out of the meeting'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is irregular: sling (present), slung (past simple and past participle), slung (past participle).
A sling is generally a supportive strap or cloth (for an arm, a baby, or a weapon). A hammock is a specific type of slung net or fabric used as a bed, suspended between two points.
Yes, 'sling' is the standard term for a supporting device for an injured limb in both everyday and formal medical contexts (e.g., 'the patient was discharged with an arm sling').
It's an informal expression meaning working as a bartender, serving drinks quickly and often with a sense of style or effortlessness.