slung: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal to neutral. Common in narrative and descriptive contexts.
Quick answer
What does “slung” mean?
The simple past tense and past participle of the verb 'sling', meaning to throw or hang something loosely and carelessly.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The simple past tense and past participle of the verb 'sling', meaning to throw or hang something loosely and carelessly.
Refers to something that has been suspended, thrown, or carried in a loose, hasty, or improvised manner. Can imply a casual, makeshift, or temporary arrangement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The noun 'sling' for a baby carrier is slightly more common in UK English ('papoose' is a US alternative).
Connotations
Similar in both dialects. Can imply roughness or improvisation.
Frequency
Comparable frequency; slightly more common in spoken narratives than formal writing.
Grammar
How to Use “slung” in a Sentence
SUBJ + slung + OBJ + LOCATIVE (He slung the bag over the chair)SUBJ + slung + OBJ + at/against + TARGET (They slung stones at the window)SUBJ + have/had + slung + OBJ + (PERFECT TENSE) (She had slung her coat on the sofa)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “slung” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He slung his kitbag into the boot of the car and drove off.
- The protestors slung paint at the government building.
American English
- She slung her backpack over one shoulder and headed to class.
- They slung a tarp between the trees for shelter.
adverb
British English
- (Rare as a standalone adverb. Usually part of a phrasal verb or participle.)
American English
- (Rare as a standalone adverb. Usually part of a phrasal verb or participle.)
adjective
British English
- The slung tarpaulin provided scant cover from the driving rain.
- He carried a rifle in the slung position.
American English
- The slung network of hammocks created a colorful canopy.
- The soldier's slung rifle bounced against his hip as he ran.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear metaphorically: 'Accusations were slung during the hostile takeover.'
Academic
Rare in formal texts. Possible in historical or anthropological descriptions of weaponry or carrying methods.
Everyday
Common: describing carrying a bag, throwing something away, or putting up a temporary structure.
Technical
Used in contexts like construction ('cables were slung between the pylons') or medicine ('his arm was slung in a bandage').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “slung”
- Using 'slinged' (incorrect) instead of 'slung'.
- Confusing 'slung' (past action) with 'sling' (present tense or noun).
- Overusing in formal contexts where 'suspended', 'threw', or 'placed' would be more appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's also commonly used for hanging or carrying something loosely, like a bag slung over a shoulder or a hammock slung between trees.
Creating an incorrect past form 'slinged'. The correct past tense and past participle is always 'slung'.
It is generally considered informal. In formal contexts, synonyms like 'suspended', 'threw', 'hurled', or 'draped' are often preferred, depending on the precise meaning.
'Hung' is neutral and often implies a degree of care or permanence (hung a picture). 'Slung' implies a casual, quick, or careless action, often with a sense of loose suspension (slung a jacket over a chair).
The simple past tense and past participle of the verb 'sling', meaning to throw or hang something loosely and carelessly.
Slung: in British English it is pronounced /slʌŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /slʌŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “slung his hook (UK informal: left quickly)”
- “slung mud at (made malicious accusations against)”
- “slung together (assembled hastily and carelessly)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SLUG being slUNG through the air - both are soft and move in a loose, arcing motion.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT IS WAR (to sling mud/insults). CREATION IS HASTY ASSEMBLY (slung together).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'slung' correctly?