Sloven
/ˈslʌvən/noun
A person who is habitually untidy or slovenly.
Did you know?The word is related to the same ancient Germanic root behind “slop,” “slob,” and “slovenly,” all carrying the eerie idea of being loose, muddy, or carelessly let go.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*slubaną / *slub-
“To be loose, slippery, or slack”
Old English
OE
slōf / slōw
“Slow, sluggish, careless”
Middle English
ME
slouen / sloven
“A slovenly, dirty, or untidy person”
16th Century
English
sloven
“An untidy, negligent person”
Modern English
English
sloven
“A person who is habitually untidy or slovenly”