slack

The word "slack" has a few different meanings. In the first set of examples, a person who slacks (off), takes it easy or does a minimal amount of work.

• David is slacking off at work.
• He’s kind of a slacker. (slacker = a person who avoids work)
• Employees who slack off at work may eventually get fired.
• Don’t be a slacker.

Look at these slackers slacking off, again!

The word "slack" is also used as a noun when reducing the amount of tension in tightly pulled wire, string, or rope.

• Give me some slack.
• I need more slack.
• There’s too much slack on this rope.
• The chain on this chainsaw needs a little more slack; otherwise, the chainsaw is going to burn out.

As a noun, "slack" also refers to an amount of personal space or tolerance of particular human behavior.

• I can’t be perfect. You’ve got to give me some slack.
• Can’t you give me a little more slack?
• The teacher decided to be less strict and gave the students more slack.
• If you give him too much slack, he’s going to misbehave.
• The managers at the company gave their employees a little more slack to get their work completed after a deadline had passed.

The word "slacks" is a plural noun that refers to a pair of pants.

• She wears slacks to work.
• The uniform consists of black slacks and a white shirt.
• These slacks need to be ironed.
• You have to keep slacks on a hanger in order to maintain the crease in the pants. (crease = the raised center of the pants which creates a neat appearance)

The slacks match her jacket.

Note: Slack is also a technology company that make collaboration within and among companies easier.

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June 21, 2019