slash etymology

Etymology

The word "slash" has several possible etymologies:

  • Old English "slean": To strike or cut obliquely.
  • Old Norse "slægja": To strike with a swinging motion.
  • Middle Dutch "sletsen": To cut.

Meaning and Origin

"Slash" originally referred to an oblique cut or incision made with a sharp instrument. It was commonly used in the context of warfare or hunting, where it denoted a long, deep cut made by a sword or other weapon.

Over time, the word's meaning expanded to include:

  • A sudden or forceful movement: As in "to slash someone's tires."
  • A careless or destructive cut: As in "to slash a painting."
  • To reduce or cut sharply: As in "to slash prices."
  • To criticize harshly: As in "to slash someone's reputation."
  • A genre of heavy metal music characterized by distorted guitars: As in "slash metal."

In the realm of fashion, "slash" refers to a style of clothing with intentional cuts or openings. It originated in the 1970s punk and glam rock subcultures, where musicians and fans adorned their clothes with slits and tears.

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