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Slurred Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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slurred

[slɜrd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

speech impairment

Slurred refers to speech that is indistinct and difficult to understand, often due to drunkenness, intoxication, or a medical condition. It can also describe the manner in which words are pronounced, blending together in a way that loses clarity.

Synonyms

indistinct, mumbled, unclear.

Examples of usage

  • He spoke in a slurred manner after the party.
  • Her slurred speech raised concerns about her health.
  • The witness's slurred words made it hard to understand his account.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Health

  • Slurred speech can indicate various health conditions, including neurological disorders or the use of alcohol and drugs.
  • In medical emergencies, sudden slurring of speech can signal a stroke, requiring immediate attention.

Literature

  • Slurred speech often appears in literature to characterize drunk or tired characters, adding realism to their dialogue.
  • Authors use the technique of slurring in poetry to convey emotion and sincerity, pushing readers to feel the character's state.

Pop Culture

  • Popular songs often depict characters with slurred speech as a way to convey impairment or carefree partying, shaping public perception.
  • Movies sometimes exaggerate slurred speech for comedic effect, emphasizing a character's drunkenness or confusion.

Psychology

  • Psychological studies show that slurred speech can affect how a speaker is perceived, often leading to biases about intelligence or competence.
  • People may also experience reduced clarity during emotional stress, demonstrating how mental state impacts communication.

Origin of 'slurred'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'slurred' comes from the Middle English 'slurren,' meaning to speak indistinctly or unclearly.
  • It is linked to the Old Norse word 'slora,' which means to slop or spill, hinting at the idea of a 'spilled' speech.

The word 'slurred' originates from the Middle English term 'sluren', which meant to speak in a way that blurs the distinction between consonants and vowels. It can be traced back to Old English 'slyrian', which signifies a sense of moving carelessly or slipping. Over time, the usage evolved to specifically refer to patterns of speech that lack clarity or sharpness, often associated with intoxication or certain medical conditions. Additionally, the phonetic quality of slurred speech implies a fluidity that detracts from articulate communication. This linguistic evolution reflects societal observations of speech under different states of mind or physical conditions.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,009, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.