Phrasal verb
sling off
Definition
phrasal verb. to say unkind things about someone or criticize them, often behind their back.
phrasal verb. to criticize or speak disparagingly of someone, typically in a casual or mocking manner. This phrasal verb is highly characteristic of Australian and New Zealand English.
Examples
“Don't sling off at your brother just because he's late.”
“The politicians spent the whole debate slinging off at each other instead of discussing the actual policy.”
“The columnist was known for slinging off at local celebrities, a habit that earned him both notoriety and several legal threats.”
Examples
simple
“Don't sling off at your brother just because he's late.”
contextual
“The politicians spent the whole debate slinging off at each other instead of discussing the actual policy.”
complex
“The columnist was known for slinging off at local celebrities, a habit that earned him both notoriety and several legal threats.”
Usage
usually takes the preposition 'at' before the person being criticized.
Teaching tip
this is a regionalism; teach it as a synonym for 'mock' or 'insult' specifically for students interested in Australian culture or media.
Pitfall
He was slinging off his boss all day.
He was slinging off at his boss all day.
the preposition 'at' is required to connect the action to the person being criticized.
Phrasal verb
Particles
off
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
sling + off + at + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/sling-off