sloven

[ sluhv-uhn ]

noun

1. a person who is habitually negligent of neatness or cleanliness in dress, appearance, etc.
2. a person who works, acts, speaks, etc., in a negligent, slipshod manner.

sloven

/ ˈslʌvən /

noun

1. a person who is habitually negligent in appearance, hygiene, or work

Word History and Origins

Origin of sloven¹

1400–50; late Middle English sloveyn, perhaps < Middle Dutch slof careless ( Dutch slof careless, sloven to toil) + -inne feminine noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of sloven¹

C15: probably related to Flemish sloef dirty, Dutch slof negligent

Example Sentences

As to his being a sloven in dress, is that what they say about him?

From Project Gutenberg

She carried a sloven list that brought her port chains under, and she shouldered at her anchor like a drunken man at a post.

From Project Gutenberg

Besides, the appearance of a well-dressed man commands a certain degree of respect which would never be shown to a sloven.

From Project Gutenberg

A sloven, except on Sundays and courting-days, and then only clean on the outside.

From Project Gutenberg

He used to be quite a sloven in his dress; you know how very slovenly most American gentlemen are in their dress, at any rate.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• lout