1 B2 informal
To throw or move objects carelessly and roughly in various directions.
"Stop slinging your bags about — you nearly knocked that vase off the shelf."
separable
sling about
B2 informal separable transitive
To throw, move, or use something carelessly or recklessly in all directions.
In plain English
Throw or use something in a careless, messy way without caring where it goes.
What does "sling about" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To use words, accusations, or insults carelessly and indiscriminately.
"The politicians spent the whole debate slinging accusations about rather than discussing policy."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To sling (throw/fling) something about — fairly transparent.
Actually means
Throw or use something in a careless, messy way without caring where it goes.
Usage tip
Primarily British English. Often used to criticise careless behaviour — slinging mud, accusations, or objects without care. The variant 'sling around' is also common. Usually carries a negative tone.
Words that pair with "sling about"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
mud accusations money insults bags words
How to conjugate "sling about"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
sling about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
slings about
he/she/it
Past simple
slinged about
yesterday
Past participle
slinged about
have + pp
-ing form
slinging about
continuous
Hear "sling about" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "sling about" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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