fling

Meanings

Noun

• An act of throwing, often violently.
• An act of moving the limbs or body with violent movements, especially in a dance.
• An act or period of unrestrained indulgence.
• A short casual sexual relationship.
• An attempt, a try (as in "give it a fling").
• A severe or contemptuous remark; an expression of sarcastic scorn; a gibe or taunt.
• A lively Scottish country dance.
• A trifling matter; an object of contempt.

Verb

• To move (oneself) abruptly or violently; to rush or dash.
• To throw with violence or quick movement; to hurl.
• To throw; to wince; to flounce.
• To utter abusive language; to sneer.

Origin

• From Middle English fling, from the verb (see below). Compare Icelandic flengur.
• From Middle English flyngen, from Old Norse flengja, from Proto-Germanic *flangijaną, from Proto-Indo-European *pleh₂k-. Cognate with Icelandic flengja, Norwegian flengja.