Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "Slough" – April 23, 2025

In the April 23, 2025 episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, hosted by Peter Sokolowski, listeners are introduced to the multifaceted word "slough." This comprehensive exploration delves into its definitions, usage, pronunciation variations, literary examples, and etymology, providing a thorough understanding of this complex term.

Introduction to "Slough"

Peter Sokolowski begins the episode by introducing the word of the day:

[00:06] Peter Sokolowski: "Today's word is slough, spelled S-L-O-U-G-H. Slough is a verb. It's a formal word used for the action of getting rid of something unwanted. It's usually used with the word off."

This succinct introduction sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the word's meanings and applications.

Definitions and Usage

The word "slough" serves multiple functions in the English language, primarily as a verb and a noun, each with distinct meanings and pronunciations.

As a Verb

1. To Remove or Shed Unwanted Elements:

   • Usage: Typically paired with "off," as in "slough off."
   • Example: "He decided to slough off his old habits to improve his lifestyle."

2. To Shed Dead Skin or Material:

   • Usage: Describes the process of losing a dead layer, common in biological contexts.
   • Example: "The snake will slough its skin periodically."

As a Noun

There are two primary noun forms of "slough," each with different pronunciations and meanings:

1. Pronounced to Rhyme with "Blue" or "Cow":

   • Meaning: Refers to a swampy area or a state of despair.
   • Example: "She found herself stuck in a mental slough, unable to move forward."

2. Pronounced to Rhyme with "Cuff":

   • Meaning: The shed skin of a snake or anything else that has been cast off.
   • Example: "The discarded slough lay on the forest floor, a testament to the snake's growth."

Literary Example

To illustrate the usage of "slough" in context, Peter shares a poignant excerpt from Sally Wen Mao's Nine Nine Tales:

[00:20] Peter Sokolowski: "Here's the word used in a sentence from Nine Nine Tales by Sally Wen Mao. 'Before she left her apartment, she gathered and washed some in a bowl. Then she drew a bath and soaked for a while, eating the figs one by one, swallowing even the hard stems. The steam and water loosened her tense muscles, and her aches started to vanish. She scrubbed herself until the dead skin sloughed off, and underneath she was new.'"

This vivid passage highlights the biological meaning of "slough," emphasizing the transformation that occurs when shedding dead skin.

Pronunciation and Different Meanings

Peter delves deeper into the pronunciation nuances and varying meanings of "slough," clarifying potential confusions:

[00:35] Peter Sokolowski: "There are two verbs spelled S-L-O-U-G-H in English, as well as two nouns, and both sets have different pronunciations. The first noun, referring to a swamp or a discouraged state of mind, is pronounced to rhyme with either blue or cow. Its related verb, which can mean to plod through mud, has the same pronunciation."

This explanation distinguishes between the environmental and psychological connotations of "slough," as well as the action of moving through difficult conditions.

[00:50] Peter Sokolowski: "The second noun, pronounced to rhyme with cuff, refers to the shed skin of a snake as well as anything else that has been cast off. Its related verb describes the action of shedding or eliminating something, just like a snake sheds its skin."

Here, Peter clarifies the biological and general discard meanings, correlating the word's usage to natural processes.

Etymology of "Slough"

Understanding the origins of "slough" provides further insight into its varied applications:

[01:05] Peter Sokolowski: "This slough comes from the Middle English word that's related to sluch, a Middle High German word meaning snakeskin."

The etymological roots trace back to Middle English and Middle High German, highlighting the word's longstanding association with shedding and transformation.

Conclusion

Peter Sokolowski wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to explore more about "slough" and other words of the day:

[01:15] Peter Sokolowski: "With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowsk. Merriam-webster.com today for definitions, wordplay and trending word lookups."

This closing remark invites the audience to continue enhancing their vocabulary and understanding of the English language through Merriam-Webster's resources.

Through this detailed examination, the episode on "slough" offers listeners a comprehensive look at a word rich in meaning and usage. From its grammatical versatility to its historical roots, "slough" serves as an excellent example of the depth and complexity inherent in the English lexicon.