Fling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Pop Culture

• The phrase 'summer fling' is commonly used to describe a brief, casual romantic relationship over the summer.
• In the television series 'Friends,' characters often depict humorous scenarios involving flings, showcasing the light-hearted side of relationships.
• Many songs incorporate 'fling' in their lyrics, often describing the excitement and spontaneity of love.

Psychology

• Engaging in a fling can sometimes be a way for individuals to explore their desires without commitment, reflecting a need for freedom.
• People often seek flings during transitional periods in life, such as moving to a new city or ending a long-term relationship.
• Fling relationships may result in stronger connections or valuable lessons regarding one's emotional needs.

Literature

• Writers often use 'fling' to evoke a sense of spontaneity in their characters, creating moments of excitement and unexpected turns.
• In Shakespeare's comedies, youthful characters often engage in playful flings, highlighting themes of love and folly.
• Many modern novels depict flings as pivotal moments for character development, revealing deeper truths about love and relationships.

Science

• In physics, a 'fling' could describe the parabolic motion of an object thrown into the air, influenced by gravity and initial force.
• Understanding the dynamics of a fling helps in fields like sports science, where the trajectory of balls is analyzed for performance.
• The concept of 'kinetic energy' is relevant to a fling as it describes the energy an object has when thrown, impacting distance and speed.

Main points about word origin

• The word 'fling' comes from the Old Norse word 'flinga,' which means to throw or hurl.
• It has been used in English since the early 17th century, originally referring to a sudden throw.
• In modern usage, it also means a brief romantic relationship, probably related to the idea of 'throwing' oneself into something quickly.

The word 'fling' originated in the early 19th century, derived from the Old Norse word 'flengja' meaning 'to flog'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the sense of throwing or moving quickly. The informal use of 'fling' to describe a casual relationship emerged in the mid-20th century, reflecting the fleeting and impulsive nature of such encounters.

See also: flinger, flinging.

With rank #15,737, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

• ...
• 15734 chisel
• 15735 percentile
• 15736 legion
• 15737 fling
• 15738 fairest
• 15739 trampled
• 15740 antiquated
• ...