slag
2 synonyms and 0 antonyms for slag, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Waste material left over after smelting ore.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use slag
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
The "criticise" sense ("slag off") is informal British slang; the noun as a term for a person is vulgar and should be used with care.
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle Low German slagge, related to a Germanic root for "to strike" — originally referring to metal splinters knocked off during hammering.
Full origin of slag →Frequently asked questions
What does “slag” mean?
The word “slag” means waste material left over after smelting ore. In plain terms, leftover waste from melting metal ore — or, informally in Britain, to badmouth someone.
How do you pronounce “slag”?
“Slag” is pronounced SLAG (/ˈslæɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “slag” in a sentence?
Here is “slag” used in a sentence: “Heaps of slag from the old ironworks still cover the hillside.”
What part of speech is “slag”?
Depending on how it is used, “slag” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “slag” come from?
The word “slag” comes from Germanic. Borrowed from Middle Low German slagge, related to a Germanic root for "to strike" — originally referring to metal splinters knocked off during hammering.
Is “slag” a common word?
“Slag” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “slag” have?
“Slag” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: waste material left over after smelting ore.