Slacking - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

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work ethics

Slacking refers to the act of avoiding work or responsibilities, often by being lazy or unproductive. It conveys a sense of neglecting duties, which can affect both personal and professional aspects of life.

Synonyms

dawdling, lazing, lollygagging, shirking.

Examples of usage

He's been slacking off at work and missing deadlines.
You can't afford to be slacking if you want to pass the course.
She accused him of slacking during the team project.
Slacking during practice will lead to poor performance in the game.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Slacking can be linked to procrastination, where people delay important tasks for various reasons.
Motivation plays a key role; lack of interest or overwhelming tasks can lead to slacking behavior.
Psychological studies suggest that perfectionism can paradoxically lead to more slacking, as fear of failure prevents starting tasks.

Pop Culture

Many TV shows depict characters slacking, often as a comedic trait, highlighting the struggle between fun and responsibility.
The song 'Lazy Song' by Bruno Mars captures the feeling of wanting to slack off and enjoy leisure instead of work.
Movies about students often explore the theme of slacking off in school and the eventual consequences on their future.

Literature

Charles Dickens often illustrated slacking characters who face moral consequences, reflecting the societal views of hard work.
In modern literature, characters who slack are often used to explore themes of escape and self-discovery.
The concept appears in various poetry forms, indicating a tension between leisure and societal expectations for productivity.

Education

Helping students avoid slacking is a major focus in educational strategies aimed at increasing engagement.
Group work is often used in classrooms to combat slacking by promoting responsibility among peers.
Teachers often incorporate rewards to motivate students to stay focused and reduce slacking behavior.

Origin of 'slacking'

Main points about word origin

The word 'slack' comes from the Old Norse word 'slakkr', meaning loose or relaxed.
In the early 19th century, 'slack' started to be associated with laziness, leading to 'slacking'.
The term used to denote the absence of tension, which can metaphorically apply to effort or productivity.

The word 'slack' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old Norse word 'slakkr', meaning 'loose, slack, or relaxed'. This term evolved over time to represent a lack of activity or effort. Initially used to describe a physical state of looseness, it gradually took on more abstract connotations related to work behavior and effortlessness. The verb form 'slack off' became popular in the 20th century, particularly in American English, to denote a deliberate choice to be lazy or avoid work. Today, 'slacking' is commonly used in both casual and professional settings to describe employees or individuals who are not meeting their productivity expectations.

Slacking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations