slur

Everyday

1. To slur means to speak words unclearly, so the sounds run together, for example when someone is very tired, ill or drunk. tree →
2. A slur is an insult or unkind remark that damages someone's reputation, as in «a slur on his good name». tree →
3. A slur is a nasty, hurtful word used against a group of people, such as because of their race, religion or disability; using slurs is bullying and can be against the law. tree →
4. (music) A slur is a curved line over notes showing they should be played or sung smoothly together. tree →

In the lessons

In health and safety lessons, slurred speech can be a warning sign of a stroke, so you should get help fast (call emergency services). In PSHE lessons, pupils learn that slurs hurt people and should be reported. In music lessons, a slur is a smooth curve over notes. Phrases: «slurred speech», «a racial slur», «a slur on someone's character».

Examples

• His speech was slurred because he had just woken from the operation. tree →
• Using slurs about someone's race is never OK. tree →
• The newspaper's story was a slur on her good name. tree →
• Slurred speech can be a sign of a stroke, so call for help quickly. tree →
• In music, play the notes under the slur smoothly. tree →
• The teacher told the class that slurs are a kind of bullying. tree →

Note

Verb doubles the r: slurred, slurring. Countable noun: a slur, slurs. Speaking unclearly from tiredness is not the same as using a slur (an insult); the meanings are very different.