Slacker: meaning, definitions and examples

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slacker

[ˈslækər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

lazy person

A slacker is someone who avoids work or responsibilities, often by being lazy or unproductive. Slacking off is a common behavior for slackers, who prefer to do as little as possible. They may procrastinate, waste time, and generally lack motivation to be productive.

Synonyms

idler, lazy person, lounger, sluggard.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
slacker	Used to describe someone who avoids work or effort, often in a work or school setting. It typically has a negative connotation and implies irresponsibility or laziness. John never finishes his tasks on time; he's such a slacker
lazy person	A general term for someone who lacks willingness to work or put in effort. This term is quite straightforward and has a negative implication. Samantha didn't want to clean her room; she's simply a lazy person
idler	Refers to someone who avoids work, doing nothing productive. It can be neutral or slightly negative, often suggesting lack of productivity. During summer vacation, Mark turned into an idler, spending his days lounging in the sun
lounger	Describes someone who relaxes instead of working. This term can be neutral and often implies someone enjoying leisure or rest. On weekends, Tom becomes a lounger, preferring to lie on the sofa and watch TV
sluggard	Considered an old-fashioned or literary term for a very lazy person. It has a strong negative connotation and is rarely used in modern conversation. The boss called him a sluggard for not meeting the deadlines again

Examples of usage

He's such a slacker, always taking long breaks and never finishing his tasks on time.
Don't be a slacker and start working on your project now.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

person who avoids effort

In a broader sense, a slacker can also refer to a person who avoids effort or commitment in any aspect of life. This could include social relationships, personal development, or pursuing goals. Slacking in these areas can lead to missed opportunities and a lack of progress.

Synonyms

dawdler, loafer, shirker, sluggard.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
slacker	Used to describe someone who avoids work or effort, often in a casual or informal context. Tom is such a slacker; he never meets his deadlines. The boss complained about the slackers in the team.
shirker	Used for someone who deliberately avoids their responsibilities or duties, often with a strong negative connotation. The team identified him as a shirker, avoiding all the important tasks. She's a notorious shirker, always finding excuses to skip work.
dawdler	Refers to someone who moves slowly or wastes time, usually in a gentle or less harsh sense. Stop being a dawdler and hurry up, or we'll miss the train. The kids were dawdlers, dragging their feet on the way to school.
sluggard	An old-fashioned or literary term for someone who is very lazy, often used in a somewhat humorous or exaggerated sense. You've been such a sluggard today, lying in bed till noon. In the old tales, the sluggard never wins the prize.
loafer	Describes someone who is habitually lazy or avoids work, often used in a more critical or derogatory manner. He's been a loafer ever since he quit his job. The town's loafers gathered at the café all day.

Examples of usage

She's a slacker when it comes to maintaining friendships, never making an effort to stay in touch.
Don't be a slacker in pursuing your dreams; put in the effort and make them a reality.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'slacker' emerged in the late 19th century, originally used to describe people who were lazy.
Its roots can be traced to the word 'slack,' which means loose or not tight, symbolizing a lack of effort.
By the 1980s, 'slacker' was commonly associated with a specific youth subculture thriving on minimalism and non-traditional lifestyles.

Pop Culture

The 1991 film 'Slacker' directed by Richard Linklater is often credited with defining a generation of aimless youth.
In the early 2000s, the term gained new visibility in popular media, representing the attitude of many young adults disillusioned with traditional work.
Characters embodying the 'slacker' stereotype often appear in movies and TV shows, showcasing a humorous or critical take on laziness.

Psychology

Research indicates that individuals labeled as 'slackers' might experience lower motivation levels due to various external factors like burnout or dissatisfaction.
The mindset of a 'slacker' can sometimes stem from deeper psychological issues such as depression or anxiety, where effort feels overwhelming.
Understanding the reasons behind a perceived lack of effort is essential for effective communication and support.

Social Commentary

The stereotype of the 'slacker' has often been used to critique consumer culture and the pursuit of material success.
In some discussions, 'slackers' are viewed as rebels against a work-driven society, choosing authenticity over traditional achievement.
Many modern digital nomads embrace aspects of the 'slacker' ethos, seeking freedom over conventional employment paths.

Literature

The 'slacker' archetype is frequently explored in contemporary literature as a means of reflecting societal changes.
Authors like Douglas Coupland and Bret Easton Ellis have depicted protagonists embodying slacker characteristics, often confronting existential themes.
Novels featuring slackers often critique the notion of success, offering a more nuanced perspective on ambition and fulfillment.

Translations

Translations of the word "slacker" in other languages:

🇵🇹 preguiçoso

🇮🇳 आलसी

🇩🇪 Faulenzer

🇮🇩 pemalas

🇺🇦 ледар

🇵🇱 leń

🇯🇵 怠け者 (namakemono)

🇫🇷 fainéant

🇪🇸 holgazán

🇹🇷 tembel

🇰🇷 게으름뱅이 (geeureumbangi)

🇸🇦 كسول (kasul)

🇨🇿 lenoch

🇸🇰 lenivý človek

🇨🇳 懒虫 (lǎnchóng)

🇸🇮 lenoba

🇮🇸 letingi

🇰🇿 жалқау

🇬🇪 ზარმაცი (zarmatsi)

🇦🇿 tənbəl

🇲🇽 holgazán

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,556 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
33553 adventuring
33554 elbowing
33555 distending
33556 slacker
33557 ornery
33558 experientially
33559 unwrap
...