noun

slur

noun

An offensive or insulting remark, especially one targeting a person's group identity.

"The player was suspended after using a racial slur on the field."

Unclear, poorly separated speech.

"His words were reduced to a slur after a few too many drinks."

verb

To pronounce words unclearly by running them together.

"She was so tired she began to slur her words."

How to Use Slur

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither an offensive insult aimed at a group, or speech that runs together unclearly.

When to use it

As an insult, "slur" (especially "racial slur" or "ethnic slur") refers to genuinely offensive language and should be used carefully, typically only when discussing the topic rather than repeating the term itself.

Common pairings

racial slur ethnic slur slur his speech

Word Forms

slurred past tense, slurs plural, slurs singular

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The player was suspended after using a racial _____ on the field.

Etymology

From an old word for thin, fluid mud — the idea of things running together messily gave rise to both "slurred speech" and "slur" as an insult that stains someone's reputation.

Rhymes for slur

blur

See all rhymes for slur →