occasional fling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "occasional fling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief, casual romantic or sexual relationship that is not serious or long-term. Example: "During her summer vacation, she had an occasional fling with a fellow traveler, but they both knew it was just for fun."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Bennett also wants us to know it is unlikely that Housman's life was all ascetic misery, introducing the idea of a gourmand on the quiet: "...he would go on gastronomic tours of France, nosing out in unsuspected corners the remnants of great cellars".And he may have had the occasional fling there, life not quite the sexual Sahara his poems suggest.

The Guardian - Books

German producers delight in taking an occasional fling at France, England and Russia by filming stories dealing with historical characters who were not exactly a credit to their respective countries, even though they did furnish colorful inspiration for plays and novels.

The New York Times

However, it was rumored in town that Kirill went to Paris "for the occasional fling".

Wikipedia

Sure, she may have the occasional fling with an artsy iPhone user.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He seldom laughed, was ascetic in his eating habits, and, aside from occasional flings with young women, was obsessed by business.

The New Yorker

Romance and occasional flings color their lives.

Huffington Post

Looking for a casual fling?

Forbes

With an occasional white hair flinging up like a firebrand, Bernie has the academic mien of a professor.

Huffington Post

Oh, we have our occasional sex scandal, like the Clinton-Lewinsky fling.

The New York Times

Summer fling.

The New York Times

Poltergeists fling cutlery.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "occasional fling", ensure the context clarifies the nature of the relationship being described, emphasizing its brief and non-committal character.

Common error

Avoid using "occasional fling" to describe long-term relationships or deep emotional connections, as it implies a casual and temporary nature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "occasional fling" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. It describes a specific type of event or relationship. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and understandable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "occasional fling" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a temporary and casual romantic or sexual encounter. Ludwig confirms its correctness, although its informal register makes it more suitable for news, media, and casual conversation than academic or professional settings. While not frequently used, it effectively conveys a specific type of relationship characterized by its brevity and lack of commitment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one-time fling

Explicitly states that the fling occurred only once.

irregular fling

Indicates the infrequency of the fling.

casual encounter

Replaces the term 'fling' with a more generic term for a brief meeting.

brief affair

Substitutes 'fling' with 'affair', suggesting a romantic but short-lived involvement.

fleeting romance

Emphasizes the romantic aspect but highlights its temporary nature.

temporary liaison

A more formal way of describing a short-term romantic connection.

short-term relationship

Directly states the limited duration of the relationship.

chance encounter

Focuses on the unplanned nature of the meeting, rather than its romantic aspect.

passing fancy

Highlights the fleeting and whimsical nature of the attraction.

casual dalliance

Suggests a lighthearted and playful romantic involvement.

FAQs

What does "occasional fling" mean?

The phrase "occasional fling" refers to a brief, casual romantic or sexual relationship that isn't serious or long-lasting.

How can I use "occasional fling" in a sentence?

You might say, "During her summer vacation, she enjoyed an "occasional fling" with a local artist." This shows it was a temporary and lighthearted encounter.

What's a less direct alternative to "occasional fling"?

Consider using phrases like "casual encounter" or "brief affair" to soften the implication of a purely physical relationship.

Is "occasional fling" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "occasional fling" is generally too informal for professional or academic contexts. Opt for more neutral terms like "temporary liaison" or "short-term relationship" in such settings.