Word Origin & History
slip"narrow strip," 1440, probably from M.L.G. or M.Du. slippe "cut, slit," possibly related to O.E. toslifan "to split, cleave." Sense of "sprig for planting or grafting" first recorded in 1495; that of "young slender person" (a slip of a girl) in 1582; that of "narrow piece of paper" (e.g. pink slip) in
EXPAND1687. Meaning "boat ramp" is from 1769. The meaning "potter's clay" is a different word, from O.E. slyppe "slime," related to slupan "to slip."
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