slime
UK: slaɪm | US: slaɪm
n. a soft, sticky, and viscous substance, often unpleasant
n. (informal) a morally reprehensible or dishonest person
vt. to cover or smear with slime
The word "slime" traces back to Old English slīm, meaning "viscous or sticky substance," likely derived from Proto-Germanic slīmaz. It shares roots with Dutch slijm and German Schleim, all conveying the idea of a slippery, wet, or gluey texture. The term has retained its core meaning over centuries, later expanding metaphorically to describe deceitful people (early 20th century).
The pond was covered in green slime.
He stepped into a puddle of slime near the swamp.
(Informal) Don’t trust him—he’s a total slime.
The snail left a trail of slime on the sidewalk.
The factory workers had to slime the machine parts with lubricant.