Slue: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'slue' comes from the Middle English word 'slȳan', meaning to turn or twist.
• Initially used in nautical terminology, it refers to the turning of a ship in a specific direction.
• It was first recorded in the 16th century and has evolved to include various types of turning or rotating.

Navigation

• In sailing, to slue a vessel can mean adjusting its angle against the wind, crucial for maneuvering.
• Modern navigation equipment includes terms like 'slue' when referencing the pivoting of radar systems to track targets.
• Maritime experts emphasize the importance of knowing how to slue a boat for safe docking and undocking.

Technology

• In robotics, sluing refers to the action of rotating an arm or sensor to face a new direction, enhancing precision.
• Camera controls often utilize slue to emphasize smooth panning movements for better tracking of moving subjects.
• In virtual reality, sluing is critical for creating immersive experiences, allowing users to look around by turning.

Psychology

• Our brains can slue attention from one task to another, a phenomenon known as shifting attention.
• Studies have shown that multitasking can lead to cognitive sluing, which sometimes decreases overall productivity.
• Understanding sluing is essential in cognitive therapy, where clients learn to redirect their focus and manage anxiety.

Cinematography

• In film, sluing the camera can create dramatic reveals or focus changes, impacting the audience's emotions.
• Directors often use sluing techniques to create continuous shots that flow seamlessly from one scene to another.
• The use of sluing in cinematography is a powerful tool for storytelling, establishing mood and tension.