fling

name

1. A surname.

noun

Etymology: From Middle English fling, from the verb (see below). Compare Icelandic flengur (“a fast sprint”).

1. An act of throwing, often violently.
2. An act of moving the limbs or body with violent movements, especially in a dance.

   “the fling of a horse”

3. An act or period of unrestrained indulgence, enthusiasm, or both.

   “When I was as young as you, I had my fling. I led a life of pleasure.”

   “"I am inclined to go and have a fling with them. Why not all of us — just for a minute or two — it will not detain us long?"”

4. A short romantic, oftentimes sexual, relationship.

   “a summer fling”

   “I had a fling with a girl I met on holiday.”

5. An attempt, a try.

   “give it a fling”

6. A severe or contemptuous remark; an expression of sarcastic scorn; a gibe or taunt.

   “I, who love to have a fling, / Both at senate house and king.”

   “I can just make out clearly that he is having a good fling at the Pope. The congregation, numbering about two hundred, are evidently very much pleased with the clergyman's endeavour.”

7. A lively Scottish country dance.

   “the Highland fling”

8. A party, especially a dance party.

   “a spring fling”

9. A trifling matter; an object of contempt.

   “ante 1800, old proverb England were but a fling / Save for the crooked stick and the grey goose wing.”

verb

Etymology: From Middle English flyngen, from Old Norse flengja (“to whip”), from Proto-Germanic *flangijaną (“to beat, whip”), from Proto-Indo-European *pleh₂k- (“to beat”), from Proto-Indo-European *pleh₂k-, *pleh₂g- (“to beat”). Cognate with Icelandic flengja (“to spank”), Norwegian flengja (“to rip, tear, or fling open”).

1. To throw with violence or quick movement; to hurl.

   “'Tis Fate that casts the Dice, and as she flings, Of Kings makes Pedants, and of Pedants Kings.”

   “I know thy generous temper well. / ' but the appearance of dishonour on it, / It straight takes fire.”

2. To move (oneself) abruptly or violently; to rush or dash.

   “And crop-full, out of doors he flings.”

   “I see, sir, said I, I see what a man I am with. […] And away I flung, leaving him seemingly vexed, and in confusion.”

3. To throw; to wince; to flounce.

   “The horse flung most potently, making his heels fly aloft in the air.”

4. To utter abusive language; to sneer.

   “The scold began to flout and fling.”