Medieval · insult · noun (also adjective)
Sluggard
SLUG-erd /ˈslʌɡərd/ (US)pronunciation given by a dictionary
First recordedlate 1300s
A habitually lazy person — in the Middle Ages, one afflicted with the deadly sin of sloth. Formed from Middle English 'sluggi' (sluggish) plus the scornful ending '-ard'.
Where it was first recorded
Dated late 14c.; late 13c. as a surname by Etymonline; work not named.
Also spelled: slogard, sluggart
In its own time
Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
Today
Modern exampleThe alarm went off three times before the sluggard in the top bunk even rolled over.
Harmless — a gentle, old-fashioned tease for someone who won't get out of bed.
Questions
What does sluggard mean?
A habitually lazy person — in the Middle Ages, one afflicted with the deadly sin of sloth. Formed from Middle English 'sluggi' (sluggish) plus the scornful ending '-ard'.
When was sluggard first used?
It is first recorded late 1300s.
Can you still use sluggard today?
Harmless — a gentle, old-fashioned tease for someone who won't get out of bed.
Sources
- sluggard — Etymonline (Online Etymology Dictionary)
- sluggard — Merriam-Webster
- The Bible, King James Version — Project Gutenberg
Checked 2026-09-30 · verdict: attested — found in the dictionaries and texts listed above