Definition of the word slice off

The word "slice off" is a phrasal verb that originated in English around the 14th century. The word "slice" has been used to describe a thin, flat cut of food since the 17th century. The term "off" in this context refers to the separation of a particular portion from a larger whole. The phrase "slice off" can be traced back to Middle English, where it was written as "slisen and af" or "slisen of" in the 14th century. This means "to cut into slices and remove." The separation of the two words, slice and off, into a single phrasal verb probably arose in the 19th century, when spoken language became more prevalent. The use of the word "off" in this context refers to the action of separating a specific part or portion from a larger whole. This has been observed in other words as well, such as "cut off" and "rip off." These phrases became common in English as people began to interact more frequently with objects and materials that needed to be separated or detached for various purposes. In summary, the phrase "slice off" is the result of two distinct words that were combined to create a more concise and efficient way to describe the act of removing a portion using a slicing motion.