What Does "Slime You Out" Mean? Origins and Examples of the Slang Phrase

What Does "Slime You Out" Mean?

The phrase "slime you out" is a slang expression that means to cheat, trick, or take advantage of someone in an unethical way. It refers to slippery, sneaky behavior that leaves the victim feeling slimed - like they've been covered in something gross and dirty.

Origins of the Phrase

The origins of "slime you out" are unclear, but it seems to have become popular in the 1980s and 1990s. Some possible theories for where it came from include:

• A reference to the sticky, oozy nature of slime and how it can't be easily washed off. Being "slimed out" suggests you've been left with a mess that's hard to clean up.
• A comparison to untrustworthy salespeople or con artists who use slick, deceitful tactics to make sales. They figuratively "slime" their customers.
• A connection to the green slime featured on the TV show You Can't Do That on Television, where people were doused with slime as a joke or punishment. Being "slimed" took on a meanings of being pranked or publicly humiliated.

Whatever its exact origin, "slime you out" evokes vivid imagery of being left feeling gross, violated and taken advantage of through the improper behavior of someone else.

Example Uses

Here are some examples of how "slime you out" is used in sentences:

• That salesman really tried to slime me out by jacking up the price of the car way higher than it was listed for.
• Ugh, I rented an apartment from that landlord last year but they slimed me out by keeping my whole security deposit for bogus damages.
• I thought my "friend" was giving me good investment advice but it turns out she was just trying to slime me out and make money for herself.
• Be careful doing business deals with that guy - he has a reputation for smiling to your face while finding ways to slime you out behind your back.
• The CEO slimed all the employees out when he lied about the company's financial situation and then denied people their severance pay after massive layoffs.

In each case, "slime you out" implies the victim was taken advantage of through deceit, dishonesty, unethical manipulation, abuse of power, or other tricky, slippery behavior.

Vs. "Sliming"

"Slime you out" is slightly different from just "sliming." Being "slimed" focuses more on the general experience of being smeared with slime or having slime dumped on you.

For example, you might say "I got slimed when my co-workers ambushed me with green slime as a prank for my birthday." Here, the focus is on the physical experience.

But "slime you out" refers specifically to unethical, sneaky treatment and behavior that takes advantage of someone. So while getting "slimed" can just mean being pranked, getting "slimed out" means being cheated or deceived.

Related Terms

Some other slang terms that are close in meaning to "slime you out" include:

• Fleece - To swindle or overcharge someone in an excessive or unethical way.
• Hose - To cheat, deceive or unfairly wrong someone.
• Screw over - To betray or treat someone very unfairly.
• Take for a ride - To mislead or deceive someone, often in a way that costs them money.
• Take to the cleaners - To completely steal from or wipe someone out financially.

While not exact synonyms, these terms capture the same sense of being the victim of unscrupulous behavior that "slime you out" evokes.

Using "Slime You Out" Appropriately

Since "slime you out" refers to unethical, deceitful behavior, it's important to use it appropriately and not make false accusations. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Make sure you have clear evidence if you plan to accuse someone of "sliming you out." Don't use it as a generic insult.
• Understand the phrase is slang, so it's better suited for casual contexts rather than formal ones.
• Consider whether a more polite phrase like "take advantage of," "mislead," or "deceive" would work instead in sensitive situations.
• Use your best judgment on audience - some very conservative people may be put off by the phrase.
• Though informal, avoid using "slime you out" around young children who may repeat it without understanding the implications.

In the right situation, though, "slime you out" can be a colorful and impactful way to call out shady behavior. Just be thoughtful in wielding its power.

Conveying Betrayal and Deception

"Slime you out" packs a punch because it so vividly captures the feeling of being left dirty, violated and taken advantage of. The imagery of slime powerfully evokes the unethical deception involved.

That's what makes "slime you out" such an effective phrase when used properly. It condenses betrayal, trickery, and misconduct into two words in a way few other idioms can match.

So next time you unfortunately find yourself the victim of someone's slippery behavior, you'll know just how to sum it up. They didn't just wrong you - they slimed you out.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.