slacker
/'slækə/
Definition
- Noun:
- A person who avoids work or effort; an idler: A "slacker" is someone who is habitually lazy or neglects their responsibilities, often by avoiding tasks they are expected to do.
- A person who evades duty, especially military service: Historically, the term specifically referred to someone who tried to avoid compulsory military service, particularly during wartime.
Usage and Examples
- Noun:
- He was labeled a slacker by his manager for consistently missing deadlines.
- During the war, the government sought to punish slackers who dodged the draft.
- Don't be such a slacker; help us clean up the kitchen.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- The term often carries a strong negative connotation of moral failing or social irresponsibility, implying a deliberate choice to avoid work or duty.
- In modern informal contexts, it can be used more lightly among peers to tease someone for being momentarily lazy or unproductive.
- "I was a total slacker this weekend and just watched TV."
Variants and Related Words
- Slack (verb): To be lazy or negligent; to avoid work. (e.g., )
- Slack (adjective): Not tight or tense; loose. (e.g., ). Figuratively, it can mean lacking in activity or diligence (e.g., ).
- Slackness (noun): The quality or state of being slack, negligent, or lazy.
Synonyms
- Idler
- Loafer
- Shirker
- Layabout (chiefly British)
- Deadbeat (informal, also implies failing to pay debts)
Antonyms
- Hard worker
- Diligent person
- Go-getter (informal)
Related Phrases and Idioms
- Slack off (phrasal verb): To decrease one's effort or level of activity; to be lazy.
- He started to slack off once the supervisor left the room.
- Cut someone some slack (idiom): To treat someone less severely or critically; to give them a break.
- Cut him some slack; he's new to the job. (Note: This idiom uses "slack" in its noun form meaning "leeway," not directly referring to a "slacker.")
Noun
-
a person who shirks his work or duty (especially one who tries to evade military service in wartime)
