Quick answer
Slouch means to sit, stand, or move with a drooping posture. It is usually pronounced slouch, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Slouch
To slouch means to sit, stand, or move with a drooping posture. It belongs to strange movement words and works best in physical comedy, odd gestures, and descriptions of movement with more character than plain motion verbs. It still feels usable today, especially when you want a word with more character than the plainest alternative.
At a glance
movementmannerismexpressive
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
If you slouch, you to sit, stand, or move with a drooping posture. The verb usually suggests something more expressive, comic, or textured than a plain everyday substitute.
Why this word feels absurd
Slouch feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
The origin note most often attached to slouch is: probably from dialectal English or Scandinavian influence. Where the history is not fully settled, the safest thing to say is that the word’s sound and tone have helped keep it memorable.
Is this word still used today?
Slouch is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
Example sentences
- He tends to slouch at his desk after a long afternoon of calls.
- The teenager slouched through the doorway with a backpack hanging off one shoulder.
- She reminded the class not to slouch while reading.
- His trademark slouch made him look bored even when he was listening.
When should you use this word?
Use slouch when a plain action verb feels too flat and you want the sentence to carry more motion, tone, or comic texture. It works especially well in physical comedy, odd gestures, and descriptions of movement with more character than plain motion verbs.
Similar words
droop, hunch, stoop, lounge
Opposite or contrasting words
stand tall, straighten, sit upright
Common questions
- What does slouch mean? To sit, stand, or move with a drooping posture.
- How do you pronounce slouch? It is commonly pronounced slouch.
- Is slouch still used today? Slouch is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
- When should you use slouch? Use slouch when a plain action verb feels too flat and you want the sentence to carry more motion, tone, or comic texture. It works especially well in physical comedy, odd gestures, and descriptions of movement with more character than plain motion verbs.
- What words are similar to slouch? Similar words include droop, hunch, stoop, and lounge.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.