slush
UK: slʌʃ | US: slʌʃ
n. 1. Partially melted snow or ice; a watery mixture.
n. 2. Sentimental or trivial writing or speech.
vt. 3. To make a splashing sound (e.g., walking through slush).
The word "slush" likely originates from imitative or expressive roots, mimicking the sound or sensation of wet, loose material (like melting snow). The "sl-" prefix is common in English words suggesting wetness or muddiness (e.g., "slime," "slop"), while "-ush" may evoke the sound of splashing or movement. First recorded in the 17th century, it initially described watery snow and later extended metaphorically to trivial writing.
The streets were covered in dirty slush after the snowfall.
She grimaced as her boots sank into the cold slush.
The novel was dismissed as sentimental slush by critics.
We could hear the tires slushing through the wet snow.
Avoid walking through slush to keep your shoes dry.