Slur
/slɜːr/noun
A slurred or indistinct way of speaking, or a derogatory remark about a person or group.
Did you know?The insult sense of *slur* is newer than the speech sense: English first used it for something smeared, dragged, or indistinct before it came to mean a damaging smear on someone’s name.
Etymological Timeline
Late Middle English
English
sluren
“To drag, smear, or speak indistinctly.”
16th Century
English
slur
“An indistinct or smoothly run-together pronunciation; also a smear or stain.”
17th Century
English
slur
“A slight reproach or disparaging remark.”
19th Century
English
slur
“A defamatory or prejudicial remark, especially one aimed at a group.”
Modern English
English
slur
“An insulting or derogatory term, or indistinct speech.”