slather

[ slath-er ]

verb (used with object)

1. to spread or apply thickly:

   to slather butter on toast.

2. to spread something thickly on (usually followed by with ):

   to slather toast with butter.

3. to spend or use lavishly.

noun

1. Often slathers. a generous amount:

   slathers of money.

slather

/ ˈslæðə /

noun

1. informal.
   usually plural a large quantity
2. open slather slang.
   a situation in which there are no restrictions; free-for-all

verb

1. to squander or waste
2. to spread thickly or lavishly

Word History and Origins

Origin of slather¹

1810–20, in sense “to slip, slide”; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of slather¹

C19: of unknown origin

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. open slather, Australian. complete freedom.

Example Sentences

I slather my body in Swedish Beauty Black Diamond cream with “Tingle Tanning Power.”

From The Daily Beast

Your young fellers can do nothing except slather a hose round the decks and ask for higher wages.

From Project Gutenberg

No, sir, there aint sech a slather of folks up here to mix in with, by any count.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• apply
• brush
• caress
• clean
• coat
• cover
• glaze
• graze
• grind
• knead
• paint
• pat
• scrape
• scrub
• smear
• smooth
• spread
• wear
• wipe