fling

Etymology 1

From Middle English fling, from the verb (see below). Compare Icelandic flengur (“a fast sprint”).

noun

1. An act of throwing, often violently.
2. An act of moving the limbs or body with violent movements, especially in a dance.
   the fling of a horse
3. An act or period of unrestrained indulgence.
   When I was as young as you, I had my fling. I led a life of pleasure. 1838, Douglas William Jerrold, Men of Character
   I am inclined to go and have a fling with them. Why not all of us — just for a minute or two — it will not detain us long? 1891, Thomas Hardy, Tess of the d'Urbervilles, volume 1, London: James R. Osgood, McIlvaine and Co., page 23
   Here again steam is having its last fling, and the "dual link" drivers at Brunswick shed, Liverpool, already are alternating steam and diesel duties. 1960 February, Cecil J. Allen, “Locomotive Running Past and Present”, in Trains Illustrated, page 113
4. A short romantic, oftentimes sexual, relationship.
   I had a fling with a girl I met on holiday.
5. (figurative) An attempt, a try (as in "give it a fling").
6. (obsolete) A severe or contemptuous remark; an expression of sarcastic scorn; a gibe or taunt.
   I, who love to have a fling, / Both at senate house and king. c. 1732, Jonathan Swift, Epistle to a Lady
7. A lively Scottish country dance.
   the Highland fling
8. (obsolete) A trifling matter; an object of contempt.
   ante 1800, old proverb England were but a fling / Save for the crooked stick and the grey goose wing.

Etymology 2

From Middle English flyngen, from Old Norse flengja (“to whip”), from Proto-Germanic *flangijaną (“to beat, whip”), from Proto-Indo-European *pleh₂k- (“to beat”). Cognate with Icelandic flengja (“to spank”), Norwegian flengja (“to rip, tear, or fling open”).

verb

1. (intransitive, now archaic) To move (oneself) abruptly or violently; to rush or dash.
   "We beseech your Majesty—" said Glozelle, but Miraz had flung out of the tent and they could hear him bawling out his acceptance to Edmund. 1951, C. S. Lewis, Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia
2. (transitive) To throw with violence or quick movement; to hurl.
   Wilkinson was struggling, sending the re-start straight into touch and flinging a pass the same way, and France then went close to the first try of the contest as Clerc took a long pass out on the left and was just bundled into touch by the corner flag. 2011, Tom Fordyce, Rugby World Cup 2011: England 12-19 France
   Signalman Bridges was killed by the blast, as was fireman Nightall. Amazingly, driver Gimbert came round some 200 yards away, on the grass outside the Station Hotel where he had been flung. January 12 2022, Benedict le Vay, “The heroes of Soham...”, in RAIL, number 948, page 43
3. (intransitive, archaic) To throw; to wince; to flounce.
   The horse flung most potently, making his heels fly aloft in the air. 1836, Helen Crocket, The Ettrick Shepherd's Last Tale
4. (intransitive, archaic) To utter abusive language; to sneer.
   The scold began to flout and fling.