slugger

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'slugger' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a noun that refers to someone who hits the ball hard in baseball or softball, usually resulting in a home run. It can also refer to a powerful and aggressive person or fighter. Example: The crowd cheered as the slugger stepped up to the plate, ready to hit a home run and win the game for his team.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The longtime Braves slugger helped launch the Late Show when he appeared on the third episode.

The Guardian - Sport

That same year, he became a star in the Big Bash and that is where he has stayed, typecast as a talented slugger.

The Guardian - Sport

As one sharp-eyed observer on Slugger remarked when the news first broke, this is not a new theme.

The Guardian - Opinion

He claimed on the CBS show that he worked with A-Rod for several years in supplying – and in some cases administering – PED's to the New York Yankees slugger.

The Guardian - Sport

There is nothing much left to add to this brutal armoury of arguments.Worse, this slugfest has bloodied the slugger.

The Economist

AT THE Louisville Slugger factory in Kentucky, making a baseball bat looks almost easy.

The Economist

When the slugger entered the major leagues 20 years ago, most players were using bats made of white ash from New England forests.

The Economist

The evening television news provides a rundown of how Japanese players are performing in their latest games, giving particular attention to the mighty slugger Matsui.

The Economist

But despite the best efforts of a handful of spoilers, the responsibility to protect is alive and well.Gareth Evans President emeritus International Crisis Group Melbourne, AustraliaA baseball diamondSIR – I wonder if the "Jewish baseball slugger" in Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds" is a demonic caricature of Moe Berg ("Making the unfunny funny", August 29th).

The Economist

Ruth's slugging thrilled the crowds, broadened baseball's appeal and filled the stands, but for McGraw he was a mere slugger, "the Big Baboon" or "the Big Ape .Ty Cobb, a rival baseball star, was even ruder.

The Economist

He fanned the slander that Ruth seldom took a bath by sniffing hard and pretending to detect a horrible smell whenever the slugger came near him.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sports, use "slugger" to vividly describe a player known for their exceptional power and ability to hit with force. This term adds a layer of excitement and paints a clearer picture of the player's style.

Common error

While "slugger" can refer to someone powerful, it is best used in sports contexts. Avoid using it to describe powerful people in business or politics, as it may sound inappropriate or comical.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "slugger" is that of a noun. It typically refers to a person known for their powerful hitting ability, especially in baseball. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts describing baseball players and boxers who deliver strong punches.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

28%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Social Media

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "slugger" is a noun predominantly used in sports contexts to describe someone known for their powerful hitting or punching capabilities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially in baseball and boxing. While primarily neutral in register, it's best to avoid using "slugger" in non-sports contexts to maintain clarity and appropriateness. Related terms like "power hitter" or "heavy hitter" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. In summary, "slugger" is a vivid and effective descriptor within the realm of sports reporting and discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

power hitter

Focuses specifically on the hitting ability in baseball.

heavy hitter

Emphasizes the impact and strength of the hitter or puncher.

long ball hitter

Highlights the capability of hitting long distances in baseball.

hard hitter

General term for someone who hits with great force.

power puncher

Refers to someone with strong punching power, especially in boxing.

knockout artist

Someone who frequently wins by knockout, particularly in combat sports.

home run hitter

Specifically refers to a baseball player known for hitting home runs.

big hitter

Highlights the importance or reputation of the hitter.

masher

An informal term for a hitter who consistently drives the ball with power.

bomber

Emphasizes the explosive power of a hitter or puncher.

FAQs

How is the term "slugger" typically used in sports reporting?

The term "slugger" is used to describe a player known for their exceptional power and ability to hit with force, especially in baseball. It's often used to highlight players who hit many home runs or consistently get extra-base hits.

What are some alternatives to "slugger" when describing a baseball player?

You can use alternatives like "power hitter", "heavy hitter", or "home run hitter" depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "slugger" to describe someone outside of sports?

While "slugger" primarily refers to athletes known for powerful hits or punches, it's generally not used outside of sports. Using it in other contexts may sound informal or humorous.

Which is the correct use, "the slugger" or "a slugger"?

Both "the slugger" and "a slugger" are correct, depending on the context. "The slugger" refers to a specific, known player (e.g., "The slugger stepped up to the plate"), while "a slugger" refers to any player with those characteristics (e.g., "He's known as a slugger").