Pronunciation: [slˈʌʃ] (IPA) 
The word "slush" is spelled with the letter combination "SL" at the beginning, which is pronounced /sl/. This is followed by the vowel sound /ʌ/ in the middle, spelled with the letter "U". Finally, the word ends with the "SH" sound, which is spelled with the letters "SH". The IPA phonetic transcription of "slush" is /slʌʃ/. The word "slush" refers to a mixture of snow and water, or a semi-liquid substance.
Slush is a noun that can be defined in several ways depending on the context. It commonly refers to a semi-liquid mixture of melting snow or ice and water. It is typically formed when snow or ice begins to melt under warmer temperatures, creating a thick and fluid substance with a high water content. Slush is often found in winter or cold climates where the accumulation and subsequent melting of snow and ice occur.
In a broader sense, slush can also refer to an unappealing or messy mixture. This can include any wet or liquid substance that is dirty, muddy, or partially melted. For instance, a mixture of mud, water, and debris on a rainy day can be referred to as slush. Similarly, a mixture of water and dirt on a construction site is also commonly referred to as slush.
Furthermore, slush is also used in the context of literature and publishing. In this sense, it refers to low-quality, poorly written, or derivative works, especially in the science fiction and fantasy genres. Slush is the term used to describe the unsolicited manuscripts or submissions that are sent to publishers, often composed by aspiring authors. The term is used to highlight the mediocre or unoriginal nature of these works and the arduous task publishers have in wading through them to find potential gems.
Overall, slush can be defined as a semi-liquid mixture of melting snow or ice and water, a messy or unappealing mixture, or low-quality writings or submissions in the publishing industry.
• A familiar term for wet mud or dirty liquid, as melting snow; a greasy lubricating mixture; on shipboard, the grease of pork and beef skimmed from the ship's coppers, generally the cook's perquisite; a mixture of whitelead and lime.
• To smear with slush or grease.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "slush" originated in the late 16th century and is derived from the Middle Dutch word "slusen", which means "melted snow or ice". It later entered Middle Low German as "slus" and then migrated to English as "slush". Initially, "slush" referred specifically to melted snow or ice, but over time, it came to encompass any mixture of melted or partially melted ice and snow with dirt, water, or other impurities. In the early 18th century, "slush" also became associated with the mixture of water, fat, and oil often found in the kitchens of ships.
