Slewfoot Meaning: Complete Guide to Definition, Origins, Usage, and More

The word “slewfoot” is one of those terms that intrigues people because it can mean vastly different things depending on context. You might hear it in sports commentary, in folklore about the devil, as slang in conversation, or even in descriptions involving dragging or tripping. The versatility of this word makes it both fascinating and occasionally confusing.

If you’ve stumbled upon “slewfoot” while watching a hockey game, you probably saw it used in the context of a dangerous move. But if you’ve come across it in historical or religious stories, it might have referred to something far darker — a nickname for the devil himself.

This dual identity is part of why understanding “slewfoot” matters. Words that shift meaning depending on time, place, and culture can cause misunderstandings or even conflict if taken the wrong way. For example, a hockey referee and a Southern preacher might be using the same word but talking about entirely different things.

In this article, we’ll explore the multiple meanings of “slewfoot”, tracing its origins, evolution, and modern-day usage. We’ll look at its spelling and pronunciation, examples in sentences, possible alternatives, and even its cultural impact. By the end, you’ll not only understand what “slewfoot” means but also why it’s a word worth knowing — whether you’re a sports fan, a language enthusiast, or someone interested in folklore and slang.

What Does “Slewfoot” Mean?

“Slewfoot” is a term with several distinct meanings, depending on the context:

1. In Ice Hockey:
   A “slewfoot” refers to an illegal maneuver where a player uses their leg or foot to knock an opponent’s skates out from under them, usually from behind. It’s considered dangerous because it can cause serious injury, leading to penalties and possible suspensions.
2. In Folklore/Religion:
   In older Southern U.S. traditions and Christian preaching, “Slewfoot” is a nickname for the devil. It often appears in sermons, gospel songs, and rural storytelling as a personification of evil.
3. In Descriptive Slang:
   “Slewfoot” can also describe someone who walks with their feet turned outward (like “duck-footed”) or moves in an awkward dragging manner.
4. In General Use:
   Sometimes it simply refers to the act of dragging someone’s feet from behind — whether in sports, play, or metaphorically (holding someone back).

These varying definitions mean you can’t assume the meaning without knowing the speaker’s background or the situation. For example, if you hear “He was taken down by a slewfoot,” it could mean a foul in hockey or a spiritual downfall in a religious metaphor.

The Origin and Evolution of “Slewfoot”

The earliest roots of “slewfoot” appear to come from two word parts:

• “Slew”: In older English, it could mean “to turn,” “to twist,” or “to slay/kill.”
• “Foot”: Quite literally, referring to the human foot.

Historically, the term may have emerged in 19th-century rural America, especially in regions with strong oral storytelling traditions. In folk Christianity, preachers used “Slewfoot” as a colorful name for the devil, painting him as someone who “twists” paths and “trips” people morally.

By the 20th century, the sports world — particularly ice hockey — adopted “slewfoot” to describe a tripping technique that twists the victim’s body dangerously. This might have been influenced by the literal idea of turning or pulling someone’s feet away from under them.

The slang meaning (describing someone with turned-out feet) likely grew from physical descriptions in rural communities, where walking styles and postures were common points of identification.

Is “Slewfoot” a Slang, Acronym, or Name?

“Slewfoot” is not an acronym, and it’s rarely a formal name — although some musicians and performers have used it as a nickname or stage name.

Primarily, “slewfoot” functions as:

• Slang in some communities (describing walking style or awkward movement).
• Sports terminology in hockey.
• Colloquial/figurative name in religious or folk storytelling.

Because of its informal origins, you won’t typically see “slewfoot” used in legal documents (except in the context of sports rules) or academic writing unless it’s being analyzed linguistically.

“Slewfoot” Pronunciation & Spelling

The standard pronunciation is:

/ˈsluː.fʊt/ — “SLOO-foot”

Breaking it down:

• Slew: rhymes with “blue.”
• Foot: pronounced just like the body part.

Common spelling variations include:

• Slew-foot (hyphenated)
• Sluefoot (alternate spelling, seen in older texts)
• Slue-foot (older, less common hyphenated form)

The pronunciation generally stays the same regardless of spelling, but the slue- vs. slew- variation can appear in historical documents or older books.

How People Use “Slewfoot” Today

Today, “slewfoot” is used in three main arenas:

1. Sports Commentary (Hockey):
   Broadcasters, referees, and players use “slewfoot” to describe a specific dangerous trip. NHL rules penalize it heavily because it can cause concussions, leg injuries, or spinal issues.
2. Religious/Folk Speech:
   Some Christian pastors and gospel singers still refer to the devil as “Old Slewfoot.” This is common in sermons, gospel songs, and Christian literature aimed at Southern or rural audiences.
3. Casual Description:
   In everyday conversation, “slewfoot” might describe someone who walks with their toes turned out, drags their feet, or moves clumsily.

Modern media sometimes blends these meanings for humorous or dramatic effect. For example, a headline might read: “Bruins Take Down the Devils — Old Slewfoot Would Be Proud,” playing on both the hockey foul and the devil nickname.

Examples of “Slewfoot” in a Sentence

1. The referee called a penalty for slewfooting in the second period.
2. He walks a bit slewfoot, but it doesn’t slow him down.
3. The old preacher warned us to watch out for Old Slewfoot.
4. That was a clear slewfoot — the league will review it.
5. She tripped over his slewfoot in the crowded hallway.
6. The gospel song spoke of resisting Slewfoot’s temptations.
7. His slewfoot stride made him easy to spot from a distance.
8. The video replay confirmed the slewfoot on the opposing player.
9. In rural tales, Slewfoot is another name for the devil.
10. The player denied any intention to slewfoot his opponent.
11. Grandpa used to say, “Don’t let Slewfoot lead you astray.”
12. The awkward slewfoot gait made running difficult.
13. Hockey rules define slewfooting as a match penalty.
14. Old Slewfoot has been chasing sinners since the dawn of time.
15. That wasn’t just a trip — it was a dangerous slewfoot.
16. The coach warned players about avoiding slewfoot penalties.
17. You’re walking slewfoot again — straighten your toes.
18. Folklore says Slewfoot appears on dark crossroads.
19. The slow-motion replay showed a textbook slewfoot.
20. He blamed Slewfoot for all his troubles.

Other Possible Meanings of “Slewfoot”

While hockey, slang, and folklore dominate, “slewfoot” can occasionally have niche or humorous uses:

• In literature, some authors use it to describe animals with splayed feet.
• In music, it has been part of song titles or band names.
• In local dialects, it may be used metaphorically to mean “a sneaky tactic” or “dirty trick.”

Words and Acronyms Related to “Slewfoot”

Related terms include:

• Trip – to cause someone to fall by obstructing their foot.
• Sweep – to knock someone’s legs out from under them.
• Duck-footed – toes pointing outward.
• Out-toed gait – medical term for outward foot positioning.
• The Devil/Satan – in the folkloric “Old Slewfoot” sense.
• Hooking/Clipping – other hockey fouls that involve the legs.
• Slue – to turn or twist.

Is “Slewfoot” in the Dictionary?

Yes. Most modern dictionaries list “slewfoot” with at least one of its meanings, often the physical or hockey-related ones. Older dictionaries sometimes list the devil nickname as a secondary definition.

Better Alternatives to Say “Slewfoot”

Depending on context, alternatives include:

• Trip (sports/general)
• Leg sweep (martial arts/sports)
• Out-toed gait (medical)
• Duck-footed (casual)
• Dirty trick (figurative)

Cultural and Generational Impact of “Slewfoot”

Older generations may know “Slewfoot” primarily as a nickname for the devil, while younger audiences — especially sports fans — think of it as a hockey foul. This generational divide creates interesting conversations about language evolution.

Why It’s Important to Know These Words

Understanding words like “slewfoot” matters for:

• Avoiding misunderstandings in conversation.
• Appreciating cultural references in music, literature, or sermons.
• Following sports commentary accurately.

The Future of the Word “Slewfoot”

Given hockey’s global popularity and the endurance of Southern gospel traditions, “slewfoot” is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. We may even see new metaphorical uses emerge in pop culture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is slewfooting illegal in all hockey leagues?
A: Yes, in professional and amateur leagues, it’s banned.

Q: Why is the devil called Slewfoot?
A: It’s a metaphor for tripping people spiritually.

Q: Is “slewfoot” always negative?
A: Usually, yes — it implies danger, awkwardness, or evil.

Conclusion

“Slewfoot” is a word with rich history and multiple lives — from the ice rink to the pulpit to everyday slang. Knowing its meanings helps you navigate conversations, appreciate cultural references, and avoid confusion in sports or storytelling.

Also Read: ntm meaning in text