# sling off

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sling-off
Updated: 2026-10-23

## Definition

to say unkind things about someone or criticize them, often behind their back.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He was slinging off his boss all day." but "He was slinging off at his boss all day." — the preposition 'at' is required to connect the action to the person being criticized.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.