# slugfest

/ˈsɫəɡˌfɛst/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/slugfest
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

a tough fight or competition where both sides hit each other hard. It is often used to describe a sports game or a political debate that is very intense and aggressive.

For teachers: a physical fight or a competitive event characterized by heavy, forceful exchanges between participants. Often used metaphorically to describe intense political or legal battles where both parties suffer significant damage.

## Examples

- The championship game turned into a real slugfest in the final minutes.
- What started as a polite debate quickly devolved into a political slugfest, with both candidates trading personal insults.
- The heavyweight bout was a brutal slugfest that left both fighters exhausted and bloodied by the end of the twelfth round, yet neither was willing to concede.

## Usage notes

- Informal in register; frequently used in sports journalism and political commentary.

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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.