slink
LowLiterary, informal
Definition
Meaning
to move quietly and cautiously in a way that avoids being noticed, often suggesting guilt, shame, or stealth.
To move in a sinuous, gliding, or sneaking manner; also, in Scottish and Northern English dialects, to give birth prematurely (used for animals).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Typically implies furtiveness, guilt, or a desire to avoid attention. It often carries a negative connotation of cowardice or shameful retreat.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb 'slink' is used in both, but the past tense and past participle cause confusion. 'Slunk' is standard for both, though 'slinked' is a common hypercorrection, especially in AmE informal usage. The adjective 'slinky' (meaning close-fitting and sinuous) is more common in fashion contexts in both.
Connotations
In BrE, it can retain a slightly more archaic or literary feel. In AmE, it is slightly more colloquial but still not high-frequency.
Frequency
Rare in both varieties, more likely found in written narratives (crime, suspense, animal descriptions) than in everyday speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Subject + slink + Adverbial (of direction/manner)Subject + slink + away/off/back etc.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “slink into the shadows”
- “slink away with one's tail between one's legs”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Potentially used metaphorically: 'After the failed deal, he slunk out of the meeting room.'
Academic
Very rare, except in literary analysis.
Everyday
Low frequency. Used for describing furtive movement: 'I saw a fox slink across the garden.'
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He decided to slink off before the party ended.
- The cat will slink past the sleeping dog.
- They slunk out of the cinema after the terrible film.
American English
- She tried to slink out of the awkward conversation.
- The suspect slunk down the alleyway.
- I'm just going to slink back to my desk.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The cat slinks under the table.
- He didn't say goodbye; he just slunk away.
- I saw her slink into the room late.
- Feeling guilty, he slunk back to apologise.
- The thief slunk through the shadows to avoid the security light.
- Defeated, the politician slunk from the public eye, his reputation in tatters.
- A sense of ignominy made her slink out of the ceremony before the end.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'slinky' toy moving stealthily down stairs. The 'slink' in both shares the smooth, stealthy motion.
Conceptual Metaphor
GUILT/ SHAME IS A HEAVY BURDEN THAT MAKES ONE MOVE STEALTHILY (e.g., 'slink away in disgrace').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'красться' (to steal/creep) which is more neutral. 'Slink' always implies a motive (shame, avoidance).
- Do not translate as 'скользить' (to glide) which lacks the furtive connotation.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'slinked' as the past tense instead of 'slunk'.
- Using 'slink' to describe normal, unhurried walking without the element of stealth or guilt.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the movement of 'to slink'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The standard past tense and past participle is 'slunk'. 'Slinked' is considered non-standard, though it appears informally due to analogy with regular verbs like 'blink'.
Very rarely, and only in a highly personified or literary way (e.g., 'Fog slunk through the deserted streets'). Normally, it is used for people and animals.
'Sneak' is more general and common, meaning to move stealthily. 'Slink' adds a stronger layer of connotation—often of guilt, shame, defeat, or a sinuous, animal-like quality. One might sneak into a party for fun, but one slinks away from it in disgrace.
Yes. The adjective 'slinky' (meaning sinuous, form-fitting, and graceful in movement) is derived from the verb 'slink'. It captures the smooth, gliding motion implied by the verb.