slack etymology

Etymology

The word "slack" has Old English and Middle Low German roots.

• Old English: "slǣc" meaning "slow, sluggish, or lazy"
• Middle Low German: "slack" meaning "loose, relaxed, or slackened"

Meaning

The term "slack" has several meanings, depending on the context:

• Loose or Relaxed: Not taut or tense; hanging loosely.
• Slow or Lazy: Not quick or active; lacking energy or motivation.
• Insufficient or Inadequate: Not meeting a required standard or expectation.
• Idle or Inactive: Not engaged in any activity or work.
• Free or Unoccupied: Not used or assigned; available.

Origin

The precise origin of the word "slack" is unclear, but it likely developed from the Old English and Middle Low German words mentioned above. It has been used in the English language since at least the 14th century.

Additional Notes

• The term "slack tide" refers to the period of time when the tide is at its lowest point and there is little or no movement of water.
• "Slack" can also be used as a noun to refer to a period of idleness or inactivity.
• The phrase "cut someone some slack" means to be lenient or forgiving towards someone, particularly if they have made a mistake or are struggling.

slack relate terms

• languid

  Etymology Old French languede Latin languidus Proto Indo European lengʰ to be l

• slacker

  Etymology Origin American English 19th century Derivation From the noun slack m

• slack

  Etymology The word slack has Old English and Middle Low German roots Old English s

• slack

  Etymology The word slack has Old English and Middle Low German roots Old English s

• slack jawed

  Etymology Slack jawed is a compound word with two parts Slack From Middle English

• slake

  Etymology Old English slacian verb to appease quench alleviate Proto Germanic s

• sleep

  Etymology Sleep comes from the Middle English word slēpen which is derived from the

• remiss

  Etymology The word remiss comes from the Latin word remissus which means released

• lush

  Etymology The word lush comes from the Middle English word lusche which means soft

• laches

  Etymology Old French from Anglo French from Old English lahhs slow sluggish lazy

• languish

  Etymology The word languish comes from the Old French word languir which in turn is

• relax

  Etymology The word relax is derived from the Latin word relaxare which means to lo

• stretch

  Etymology The word stretch comes from the Middle English word streccan which in tur