Slacking off - 英语词汇详解

Meaning 1：shirking work (Slacking off)

Slacking off 🔊

/ˈslækɪŋ ɒf/

phr.v.

To work less hard than you should, or to avoid doing work.

shirking work 🔊

➕

/ˈʃɜːrkɪŋ wɜːrk/

phr.v.

To avoid doing tasks or put in less effort than expected, often by procrastinating or distracting oneself.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From 'slack' (loose, not tense) + 'off' (away), meaning to avoid work.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a slack rope that hangs loose — you are letting your duties slip.

📖 Example

The manager reminded everyone that slacking off during work hours, like browsing social media, could affect the project deadline. 🔊 The manager reminded everyone that slacking off during work hours, like browsing social media, could affect the project deadline.

🔗 Collocations

slack off on homework – avoid doing homework

slack off at work – reduce effort at the workplace

tend to slack off – often avoid work

🔄 Synonyms

loaf around (phr.v.) – to spend time idly without working

procrastinate (v.) – to delay or postpone tasks deliberately

shirk (v.) – to avoid or neglect a duty or responsibility

🚫 Antonyms

work hard (phr.v.) – to put in great effort and diligence

diligent (adj.) – showing careful and persistent effort

🌱 Derivatives

slacker (n.) – a person who regularly avoids work or effort

slack (adj.) – not tight; without tension or effort

📖 Cultural Story

Originally from nautical slang: 'slack' meant to loosen a rope; 'slack off' described reducing tension. Later applied to reducing effort at work.