slug

/slʌg/

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The word "slug" has several meanings and can be used as both a noun and a verb. Let's break it down to understand it better:

Noun Meanings:

1. Boxing Term: In boxing, a "slug" refers to a strong punch or blow delivered with the fist.

   • Example: "He delivered a powerful slug to his opponent’s jaw."

2. Gastropod: A slug is a type of soft-bodied creature similar to a snail but without a shell. They are usually slimy and can be found in gardens.

   • Example: "The garden was full of slugs after the rain."

3. Drink Measurement: A "slug" can also mean a small amount of liquor that you drink quickly.

   • Example: "After a long day, he took a slug of whiskey to relax."

4. Idle Person: Informally, a "slug" can refer to someone who is lazy or does not do much.

   • Example: "Don’t be such a slug; get up and help with the chores!"

5. Counterfeit Coin: In some contexts, a "slug" can mean a fake coin.

   • Example: "He realized too late that he had been given a slug instead of real money."

6. Unit of Mass: In physics, a "slug" is a unit of mass. It is used primarily in the United States.

   • Example: "A slug is approximately 14.5939 kilograms."

7. Projectile: A slug can also refer to a solid projectile that is fired from a gun.

   • Example: "The shotgun was loaded with slugs for hunting."

Verb Meanings:

1. To Be Idle: To "slug" means to be lazy or to not do much.

   • Example: "He slugged around the house all weekend instead of going out."

2. To Strike Heavily: To "slug" someone means to hit them hard, especially with the fist or a bat.

   • Example: "He slugged the punching bag to relieve stress."

Advanced Usage:

• "Slugger": This noun form refers to a person who is good at hitting (especially in baseball) or someone known for their strong punches in boxing.
  • Example: "He’s a slugger on the baseball team."

Synonyms:

• For the boxing term: Punch, blow, hit
• For the idle person: Sloth, loafer, lazy person
• For the drink measurement: Shot (alcohol)
• For the gastropod: Snail (though snails have shells)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Slug it out": This idiom means to fight until a winner is determined.

  • Example: "The two boxers slugged it out in the ring for ten rounds."

• "Slug away": This means to work hard at something, often despite difficulties.

  • Example: "She slugged away at her studies all night."

Summary:

The word "slug" can refer to different things based on context—ranging from a type of punch in boxing to a creature without a shell, a lazy person, or even a measurement of liquor.

Academic

Noun

1. (boxing) a blow with the fist
   • I gave him a clout on his nose
2. any of various terrestrial gastropods having an elongated slimy body and no external shell
3. a strip of type metal used for spacing
4. an amount of an alcoholic drink (usually liquor) that is poured or gulped
   • he took a slug of hard liquor
5. an idle slothful person
6. a counterfeit coin
7. a unit of mass equal to the mass that accelerates at 1 foot/sec/sec when acted upon by a force of 1 pound; approximately 14.5939 kilograms
8. a projectile that is fired from a gun

Verb

1. be idle; exist in a changeless situation
   • The old man sat and stagnated on his porch
   • He slugged in bed all morning
2. strike heavily, especially with the fist or a bat
   • He slugged me so hard that I passed out

Synonyms

• punch
• clout
• poke
• lick
• biff
• type slug
• sluggard
• bullet
• idle
• laze
• stagnate
• slog
• swig