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Slink Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿพ
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slink

[slษชล‹k ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

sly

to move smoothly and silently with a gliding motion

Synonyms

creep, glide, sneak.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
slink

Duplicate of the earlier entry, used when someone is moving quietly and secretly with the intention of avoiding detection, often due to guilt or shame.

  • He tried to slink out of the meeting unnoticed.
  • The cat slinked away after knocking over the vase.
glide

Describes moving smoothly and effortlessly, often implying grace and ease. There is no inherent sense of secrecy or stealth.

  • The swan glided gracefully across the lake.
  • She glided into the room with confidence and poise.
sneak

Indicates moving in a secretive and stealthy way, often to avoid being seen or heard. It can imply the intention of doing something wrong without getting caught.

  • The student tried to sneak a peek at the exam paper.
  • She had to sneak out of the house without waking anyone.
creep

Refers to moving slowly, often quietly and with a sense of unease or fear. It can imply a feeling of discomfort or sneakiness.

  • She felt a sense of dread as she noticed a spider creeping up the wall.
  • He decided to creep up behind his friend to surprise him.

Examples of usage

  • The cat slinked through the shadows towards its prey.
  • She slinked out of the room before anyone noticed.
Context #2 | Noun

derogatory

a person regarded as cowardly or despicable

Synonyms

coward, despicable person, sneak.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
slink

This word is used to describe someone moving in a smooth, sneaky, or secretive manner, often to avoid being noticed or out of fear or guilt.

  • He tried to slink out of the room without being seen
coward

This word is used in a negative way to describe someone who lacks courage and is excessively afraid of danger or pain.

  • He was branded a coward for not standing up to the bully
despicable person

This phrase is used to describe someone who is morally reprehensible and worthy of contempt. It has a strong negative connotation.

  • Only a despicable person would take advantage of the elderly
sneak

This word characterizes someone who moves quietly and secretly to avoid being noticed, often to do something dishonest or unauthorized.

  • He had to sneak past his parents' room to get to the party

Examples of usage

  • He's such a slink, always avoiding confrontation.
  • Don't be a slink, stand up for yourself!

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Animal Behavior

  • Cats often exhibit slinking behavior when stalking prey or during playful ambushes.
  • Dogs may slink away when they feel ashamed or scared, like after being scolded.
  • Slinking is also seen in various animals as a natural defense mechanism against predators.

Pop Culture

  • In animated films, characters often 'slink' away for comedic effect, like in sneaky heist scenes.
  • The dance move known as 'slink' is characterized by smooth, sneaky movements, reflecting the word's meaning.
  • The character of Slinky Dog from Toy Story embodies a friendly personality but also displays slinking movements when hesitating.

Psychology

  • Slinking behavior can denote feelings of guilt or shame, as individuals might move quietly to avoid drawing attention.
  • Body language experts suggest that someone who slinks may lack confidence or be attempting to conceal something.
  • Observing how individuals slink can provide insights into their emotional state during social interactions.

Literature

  • Many authors use slinking as a descriptive term to illustrate a characterโ€™s stealth or sneaky intentions.
  • In Gothic literature, characters might slink through dark corridors, revealing their sinister motives.
  • Slipping in and out of scenes with slinking movements can create suspense and tension in storytelling.

Origin of 'slink'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from the Old Norse word 'slinka,' which means 'to sneak away.'
  • Its first known use dates back to the 15th century.
  • The word has evolved from a literal sense of sneaking to describe anything done in a quiet, stealthy manner.

The origin of the word 'slink' can be traced back to the Old English word 'slincan', meaning 'to creep or crawl'. Over time, the word evolved to encompass the idea of moving smoothly and silently, often with a negative connotation. The usage of 'slink' to describe someone as cowardly or despicable emerged in the 19th century, further cementing its derogatory meaning.

See also: interlinkage, interlinking, linkable, linkage, linked, linker, linking, unlink, unlinked.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,876 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.