slugfest

[sluhg-fest]

noun

Informal.

1. a baseball game in which both teams make many runs and extra-base hits.

2. a boxing bout in which the boxers exchange powerful blows vigorously and aggressively with little care for defense.

3. an intense conflict or combat.

slugfest

/ ˈslʌɡˌfɛst /

noun

1. a boxing match in which opponents trade heavy blows

2. any sporting contest between powerful and evenly matched opponents

Word History and Origins

Origin of slugfest¹

First recorded in 1915–20; slug ² + fest

Example Sentences

He will leave behind an intensely partisan, politicized court system in which elections are brutal slugfests.

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If the conditions are as predicted it could make it tighter, but if it goes down to a slugfest you would still bank on the Lions forwards winning it.

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"I want to get my hands on him and hope for a quick one but I've been training for a 25-minute slugfest."

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It has sparked a political slugfest between the ruling coalition and opposition parties, with each side accusing the other of playing political games.

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On France's last visit to Dublin two years ago, Ireland won an enthralling slugfest, now regularly mentioned in 'greatest Six Nations games' conversations.

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Related Words

• altercation 
• brawl 
• dogfight 
• fisticuffs 
• fracas 
• free-for-all 
• melee 
• ruckus 
• tussle