Slough
/slaʊ/noun
A swamp or marsh; a state of deep despair or sadness.
Did you know?In ancient literature, sloughs were often seen as gateways to the underworld, symbolizing the shedding of the past and rebirth.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sleu-
“to flow, to ooze.”
Old English
Old English
sloȳ
“a muddy or swampy place.”
Middle English
Middle English
slouh
“a marshy area or a place where water gathers.”
16th Century
English
slough
“a state of depression or despondency, as well as a physical wetland.”
Modern English
English
slough
“still refers to both a swamp and metaphorically to a place of despair.”