What does slouch mean?
To slouch is to stand, sit, or move with drooping shoulders and a forward-bent posture. The word usually suggests an absence of alertness, confidence, or good posture, although it can sometimes describe a deliberately relaxed position. Slouching in a chair, slouching at a desk, and slouching one's shoulders are common patterns in everyday speech and writing. As a noun, a slouch is a person who habitually adopts such a posture, while the noun can also refer to the drooping movement itself. The related adjective slouchy describes someone or something that appears droopy, untidy, or insufficiently upright. Although slouch and sloth are sometimes confused, they emphasize different features: slouch refers primarily to posture, whereas sloth more commonly describes laziness or a lack of activity. The word is familiar in both British and American English.
To stand, sit, or move with the shoulders drooping and the body bent forward.
"He slouched lower into his chair as the conversation became more uncomfortable."
Often used critically when describing poor posture or a lack of alertness, but it may also neutrally indicate relaxation.
A person who stands or moves with drooping shoulders, or an act or posture of slouching.
"With a tired slouch, he reached for his coat and left the room."
When referring to a person, the word often implies a habitual posture and may sound mildly derogatory.
Used for multiple people or people who habitually slouch; the singular 'a slouch' normally refers to one person.
"The slouches at the back of the classroom were repeatedly asked to straighten up."
A slouch may be a posture, a habit, or a person—all built around the distinctive image of drooping shoulders.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of slouch
The English word dates from the late 16th century, but its precise origin is uncertain. Early uses referred to a drooping or lowering movement, and its later development focused increasingly on the posture associated with the verb. Because the connection with proposed foreign-language sources is not secure, no definite cognates are supplied here.
Related word forms
How slouch is actually used
The verb often conveys criticism or mild disapproval, especially when someone is expected to stand or sit properly. It can also be used more neutrally to describe a relaxed posture.
Easily confused with slouch
A sloth is a slow or indolent person, while a slouch is someone whose posture is bent or drooping.