slash
slash — noun
- slashsingular
- slashesplural
1. the written mark (/) placed between words, numbers, or letters to show a break,
the written mark (/) placed between words, numbers, or letters to show a break, a choice, or that things are separate from each other.
Please write your account number followed by a slash and the sort code.
slash followed by noun phrase (British banking context)
Yuki put a slash between the date and the time on the form.
slash + between [two items]
The editor asked Beatriz to replace the dash with a forward slash.
The librarian showed Lakan how to use a slash when writing website addresses.
- forward slash
more specific term used to distinguish from backslash
- solidus
formal or technical name, rare in everyday writing
- virgule
very formal, used in typography and older texts
文法句型
slash + between [items]
forward slash
用法筆記
This punctuation mark is also called a forward slash to distinguish it from the backslash (\), which is used in computer file paths.
常見錯誤
2. the symbol (/) said aloud as "or," indicating that the item or items on either s
the symbol (/) said aloud as "or," indicating that the item or items on either side are choices, or that a single thing serves two different functions.
Ziad filled in the 'and/or' box on the application with a clear slash.
and/or construction with slash
The sign on the door says 'teacher/student lounge,' meaning the room is for both groups.
noun/noun double-purpose pattern
Charlotte wrote 'writer/editor' on her business card to show she does both jobs.
The job posting read 'nurse/paramedic,' meaning applicants qualified for either role.
- or
the word that replaces the slash when reading aloud
- forward slash
the typographic name for the mark
文法句型
[noun A] / [noun B]
and/or
用法筆記
When reading aloud, the slash in this sense is usually pronounced as "or" or "and" depending on context. In formal writing, avoid overusing the slash — spell out 'or' instead.
常見錯誤
3. a long, deep wound or mark in a surface, caused by a sharp object moving with fo
a long, deep wound or mark in a surface, caused by a sharp object moving with force.
Adisa had a deep slash on his forearm from the broken window glass.
deep slash on [body part]
The doctor cleaned the slash on Samir's leg and stitched it closed.
clean and stitch a slash (medical context)
The detective traced the slash across the leather seat with her finger and knew a knife had caused it.
The vet examined the deep slash on the dog's side and said it needed stitches.
文法句型
slash + on [body part]
deep slash
slash across [surface]
用法筆記
A slash is longer and deeper than a simple scratch or cut. It usually suggests a violent or forceful action, unlike 'cut', which is neutral.
常見錯誤
4. a fast, powerful swinging motion aimed at hitting something, especially in sport
a fast, powerful swinging motion aimed at hitting something, especially in sports such as baseball or cricket.
Christopher took a wild slash at the ball but missed completely.
take a slash at [target]
The batter's downward slash sent the ball flying into the outfield.
downward / upward slash (direction specific)
With one quick slash of her racquet, Élise returned the serve.
The cricketer's fierce slash sent the ball racing to the boundary for four runs.
文法句型
take a slash at [target]
wild slash
用法筆記
This sense is often used in sport commentary. 'Take a slash at' implies a less controlled or more desperate swing than a normal attempt to hit.
5. a purposeful opening cut into a garment as ornamentation, frequently revealing a
a purposeful opening cut into a garment as ornamentation, frequently revealing a different fabric or colour underneath.
Madison wore a long gown with a slash on the side that revealed a red silk lining.
slash on the side of a garment
The designer added a slash to each sleeve to show the gold fabric underneath.
slash in sleeve/garment part
His jacket had decorative slashes across the chest that let his shirt show through.
The historical costume had slashes on both shoulders showing a white shirt beneath.
文法句型
slash in [garment]
decorative slash
用法筆記
Different from a 'slit' in a skirt — slashes are typically shorter and placed as deliberate design features on sleeves, chests, or sides of garments.
6. (British slang) the action of using the toilet to urinate.
(British slang) the action of using the toilet to urinate.
After the long bus journey, Lakan asked the driver if he could stop for a slash.
go for / stop for a slash
Samir nipped behind the hedge for a quick slash before the football match started.
quick slash (informal modifier)
The pub had a sign pointing toward the garden with 'Slash' written in small letters.
文法句型
go for a slash
have a slash
need a slash
用法筆記
Strongly informal British slang. Use only in casual conversation with close friends. In polite or formal contexts, use 'go to the toilet' or 'have a wee.' Not used in American English.
常見錯誤
7. a genre of fan-written fiction where two male characters from a movie, book, or
a genre of fan-written fiction where two male characters from a movie, book, or television programme are depicted as having a romantic or sexual bond not present in the official storyline.
Talia enjoys reading slash about the two main characters from her favourite anime.
read slash about [characters/source]
The online forum has thousands of slash stories featuring characters from classic novels.
slash stories / slash fiction (noun modifier)
Some slash writers explore relationships between characters who never met in the original story.
Esme discovered a whole community of slash fans who write about characters from Japanese manga.
- fanfiction pairing
broader term that includes male/female and other pairings
- m/m romance
a publishing category for original male/male romance, not fan-written
文法句型
slash fiction
read/write slash
slash fanfiction
用法筆記
The term comes from the use of the slash mark (/) between two character names (e.g. 'Kirk/Spock') to indicate the pairing. It is a well-known genre label in fan communities but not used in mainstream literary discussion.
常見錯誤
slash — verb
- slashpresent simple I / you / we / they
- slasheshe / she / it
- slashedpast simple
- slashing-ing form
1. to cut something or someone with a sharp tool or object, using a fast and strong
to cut something or someone with a sharp tool or object, using a fast and strong movement.
The chef slashed the fish skin in three places so it would cook evenly.
slash + object + in [number] places (cooking)
Someone had slashed the tyres of the van parked outside the warehouse.
slash tyres (vandalism context)
Élise slashed through the thick cardboard box with a box cutter.
The robber slashed the painting with a knife before running out of the gallery.
文法句型
slash + [object]
slash through [something]
slash at [target]
用法筆記
Unlike 'cut', which can describe any kind of severing, 'slash' always implies speed, force, and a sweeping motion. The object is typically slashed with a single, strong stroke.
常見錯誤
2. in the sport of ice hockey, to swing one's stick towards a player from the other
in the sport of ice hockey, to swing one's stick towards a player from the other team, which breaks the rules and earns a penalty.
The referee gave the player a two-minute penalty for slashing in the second period.
penalty for slashing (intransitive, official term)
Christopher was ejected from the game after he slashed an opponent across the arm.
slash + opponent + across [body part] (transitive)
The coach warned the team not to slash, even when crowded around the goal.
- stick foul
broader term covering illegal use of the stick in hockey
文法句型
slash + [opponent]
slash at [opponent / puck]
用法筆記
This is a technical term in ice hockey rules. It is not used for similar fouls in field hockey, lacrosse, or other stick sports — each sport has its own term.
常見錯誤
3. to reduce an amount, price, or number of things by a very large amount, often su
to reduce an amount, price, or number of things by a very large amount, often suddenly.
The company slashed its workforce by half after the merger was announced.
slash workforce by [amount]
Beatriz slashed her monthly spending by selling her car and taking the bus instead.
slash spending / costs
The government slashed funding for the arts programme in the new budget.
The retailer slashed the price of winter coats by sixty percent during the January sale.
文法句型
slash + [costs/prices/jobs]
slash + [amount] + by [percentage/number]
用法筆記
Use 'slash' for dramatic, eye-catching reductions. For smaller or more gradual decreases, use 'cut,' 'reduce,' or 'lower' instead. Common in news headlines and business writing.