- slash (v.)
- late 14c., "to cut with a stroke of a blade or whip," perhaps from Middle French esclachier "to break," variant of esclater "to break, splinter" (see slat). In reference to prices, it is attested from 1906. Related: Slashed; slashing. Slash-and-burn method of clearing forest for cultivation is from 1919.
- slash (n.)
- "a cutting stroke with a weapon," 1570s, from slash (v.); sense of "slit in a garment" is from 1610s; that of "open tract in a forest" is first attested 1825, American English. As a punctuation mark in writing or printing, it is recorded from 1961.