Fling vs. Sling — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 24, 2024
Fling involves throwing something with force or carelessness, while a sling is a device used to throw objects or support injured body parts.
Difference Between Fling and Sling
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Fling generally refers to the act of throwing something with force, often carelessly or impulsively. In contrast, a sling is a device specifically designed either to launch projectiles or to support and immobilize an injured limb. While fling conveys a sense of spontaneity and lack of precision, a sling implies purpose and design, typically involving straps or fabric.
Fling is used to describe a quick or sudden throw, emphasizing the act's fleeting nature. On the other hand, a sling is used more methodically, whether as a weapon, like in ancient warfare or hunting, or medically to hold a limb in place for healing.
The term "fling" can also metaphorically describe a brief, casual relationship. Whereas, sling does not carry such connotations in relationships but retains its practical meanings in different contexts.
Fling's usage highlights temporary or swift actions, such as in the phrase "to have a fling." Meanwhile, sling is used in contexts requiring support or launching capabilities, illustrating its dual utility in both medical and combative scenarios.
In literature and colloquial speech, "fling" captures an impulsive or passionate action, enriching its narrative value. In contrast, sling is often mentioned in historical or medical discussions, underscoring its functional and specific application.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To throw something carelessly
A device for throwing or support
Use in speech
Verb
Noun (primarily)
Contextual usage
Casual, often metaphorical
Practical, specific
Connotations
Spontaneity, lack of care
Precision, support
Examples in phrases
"to fling off"
"to put in a sling"
Compare with Definitions
Fling
To throw with force or abandon.
She decided to fling the ball into the lake.
Sling
A bandage or apparatus used to support an injured arm.
He wore his arm in a sling after the fall.
Fling
To cast aside; discard.
He flung the book on the table.
Sling
A loop of rope or fabric for holding or lifting.
Use the sling to move the crates.
Fling
To move or push suddenly.
The door flung open due to the wind.
Sling
A type of projectile weapon.
Ancient warriors used a sling for throwing stones.
Fling
To put or send abruptly.
She flung herself on the bed.
Sling
To suspend or carry with a sling.
They slung the cargo onto the ship.
Fling
A brief, spontaneous act or period.
They had a summer fling.
Sling
To throw or fling.
He slung his coat over the chair.
Fling
Throw or hurl forcefully
I was flung into jail
He picked up the debris and flung it away
She flung herself down on his bed
Sling
A flexible strap or belt used in the form of a loop to support or raise a hanging weight
The horse had to be supported by a sling fixed to the roof
Fling
A short period of enjoyment or wild behaviour
One final fling before a tranquil retirement
Sling
A simple weapon in the form of a strap or loop, used to hurl stones or other small missiles
700 men armed only with slings
Fling
Short for Highland fling
Sling
A bribe or gratuity.
Fling
To throw with violence
Flung the dish against the wall.
Sling
A sweetened drink of spirits, especially gin, and water.
Fling
To put or send suddenly or unexpectedly
Troops that were flung into battle.
Sling
Suspend or arrange (something), especially with a strap or straps, so that it hangs loosely in a particular position
A hammock was slung between two trees
Fling
To engage (oneself) in an activity with abandon and energy.
Sling
Casually throw or fling
Sling a few things into your knapsack
Fling
To cast aside; discard
Fling propriety away.
Sling
Pay a bribe or gratuity
They didn't forget to sling when the backhanders came in
Fling
To move quickly, violently, or impulsively
He flung out of the room.
Sling
A weapon consisting of a looped strap in which a stone is whirled and then let fly.
Fling
The act of flinging.
Sling
A slingshot.
Fling
A brief period of indulging one's impulses.
Sling
A band suspended from the neck to support an injured arm or hand.
Fling
(Informal) A usually brief attempt or effort
You take a fling at it.
Sling
A length of fabric worn on the body for carrying an infant.
Fling
An act of throwing, often violently.
Sling
A strap of a shoe that fits over the heel.
Fling
An act of moving the limbs or body with violent movements, especially in a dance.
The fling of a horse
Sling
A strap used to carry a rifle over the shoulder.
Fling
An act or period of unrestrained indulgence.
Sling
(Nautical) A rope or chain that attaches to the mast and supports a yard.
Fling
(figuratively) An attempt, a try (as in "give it a fling").
Sling
The act of hurling something.
Fling
(obsolete) A severe or contemptuous remark; an expression of sarcastic scorn; a gibe or taunt.
Sling
A drink consisting of brandy, whiskey, or gin, sweetened and usually lemon-flavored.
Fling
A lively Scottish country dance.
The Highland fling
Sling
To hurl with a sling
Sling stones.
Fling
(obsolete) A trifling matter; an object of contempt.
Sling
To throw or fling
"He ripped out the fish guts and slung them to the gulls" (Donna Morrissey).
Fling
To move (oneself) abruptly or violently; to rush or dash.
Sling
To move by means of a sling; raise or lower in a sling
Sling cargo into a hold.
Fling
(transitive) To throw with violence or quick movement; to hurl.
Sling
To place in a hanging or supported position
Sling a towel over one's shoulder.
Fling
To throw; to wince; to flounce.
Sling
To throw with a circular or arcing motion.
Fling
To utter abusive language; to sneer.
The scold began to flout and fling.
Sling
To throw with a sling.
Fling
To cast, send, to throw from the hand; to hurl; to dart; to emit with violence as if thrown from the hand; as, to fing a stone into the pond.
'T is Fate that flings the dice: and, as she flings,Of kings makes peasants, and of peasants kings.
He . . . like Jove, his lighting flung.
I know thy generous temper well.Fling but the appearance of dishonor on it,It straight takes fire.
Sling
(weapon) An instrument for throwing stones or other missiles, consisting of a short strap with two strings fastened to its ends, or with a string fastened to one end and a light stick to the other.
Fling
To shed forth; to emit; to scatter.
The sun begins to flingHis flaring beams.
Every beam new transient colors flings.
Sling
A kind of hanging bandage put around the neck, in which a wounded arm or hand is supported.
Fling
To throw; to hurl; to throw off or down; to prostrate; hence, to baffle; to defeat; as, to fling a party in litigation.
His horse started, flung him, and fell upon him.
Cromwell, I charge thee, fling away ambition.
This question so flung down before the guests, . . . Was handed over by consent of allTo me who had not spoken.
Sling
A loop of cloth, worn around the neck, for supporting a baby or other such load.
Fling
To throw; to wince; to flounce; as, the horse began to kick and fling.
Sling
A loop of rope, or a rope or chain with hooks, for suspending a barrel, bale, or other heavy object, in hoisting or lowering.
Fling
To cast in the teeth; to utter abusive language; to sneer; as, the scold began to flout and fling.
Sling
A strap attached to a firearm, for suspending it from the shoulder.
Fling
A cast from the hand; a throw; also, a flounce; a kick; as, the fling of a horse.
Sling
A band of rope or iron for securing a yard to a mast.
Fling
A severe or contemptuous remark; an expression of sarcastic scorn; a gibe; a sarcasm.
I, who love to have a fling,Both at senate house and king.
Sling
The act or motion of hurling as with a sling; a throw; figuratively, a stroke.
Fling
A kind of dance; as, the Highland fling.
Sling
(climbing) A loop of rope or fabric tape used for various purposes: e.g. as part of a runner, or providing extra protection when abseiling or belaying.
Fling
A trifing matter; an object of contempt.
England were but a flingSave for the crooked stick and the gray goose wing.
Sling
A drink composed of a spirit (usually gin) and water sweetened.
Gin sling
A Singapore sling
Fling
A short period during which one indulges one's wishes, whims, or desires in an unrestrained manner.
Sling
A young or infant spider, such as one raised in captivity.
Fling
A love affair.
Sling
An instrument for throwing stones or other missiles, consisting of a short strap with two strings fastened to its ends, or with a string fastened to one end and a light stick to the other. The missile being lodged in a hole in the strap, the ends of the string are taken in the hand, and the whole whirled rapidly round until, by loosing one end, the missile is let fly with centrifugal force.
Fling
A casual or brief attempt to accomplish something.
Sling
The act or motion of hurling as with a sling; a throw; figuratively, a stroke.
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.
At one slingOf thy victorius arm, well-pleasing Son.
Fling
A period during which one tries a new activity; as, he took a fling at playing tennis.
Sling
A contrivance for sustaining anything by suspension
Fling
A usually brief attempt;
He took a crack at it
I gave it a whirl
Sling
A drink composed of spirit (usually gin) and water sweetened.
Fling
A brief indulgence of your impulses
Sling
To throw with a sling.
Fling
The act of flinging
Sling
To throw; to hurl; to cast.
Fling
Throw with force or recklessness;
Fling the frisbee
Sling
To hang so as to swing; as, to sling a pack.
Fling
Move in an abrupt or headlong manner;
He flung himself onto the sofa
Sling
A highball with liquor and water with sugar and lemon or lime juice
Fling
Indulge oneself;
I splurged on a new TV
Sling
A plaything consisting of a Y-shaped stick with elastic between the arms; used to propel small stones
Fling
Throw or cast away;
Put away your worries
Sling
A shoe that has a strap that wraps around the heel
Sling
A simple weapon consisting of a looped strap in which a projectile is whirled and then released
Sling
Bandage to support an injured forearm; consisting of a wide triangular piece of cloth hanging from around the neck
Sling
Hurl as if with a sling
Common Curiosities
How does "fling" differ in usage from "throw"?
Fling implies a more forceful, often careless action compared to the more neutral "throw."
What is a common use of the term "fling"?
Fling is commonly used to describe a casual short-term relationship or a reckless throw.
What materials are slings made from?
Slings are typically made from materials like cloth, rope, or netting.
Can "fling" be used as a noun?
Yes, "fling" can also refer to a brief, spontaneous affair or period of indulgence.
How is a sling medically significant?
Medically, a sling is significant for supporting injured limbs, especially arms, to aid in healing.
Are there different types of slings?
Yes, there are different types such as medical arm slings and weapon slings like those used in ancient combat.
Is "sling" used in modern technology?
Yes, slings are used in modern technology for lifting heavy objects in construction and shipping.
Can "fling" have a positive connotation?
Sometimes, "fling" can have a positive connotation when referring to a liberating or enjoyable short-term experience.
What is an example of a sling in ancient history?
In ancient history, slings were used as simple but effective projectile weapons in battles.
How does the context change the meaning of "fling"?
The context can change "fling" from a physical throw to a metaphorical sense of engaging in a short-lived experience.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
