Toss vs. Fling: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on November 6, 2023
Toss means to throw lightly or casually; fling means to throw forcefully or carelessly.
Key Differences
Toss is generally used to describe a light or gentle throw, often underhanded, such as one might do with a ball or a coin. Fling, by contrast, implies a more forceful or abrupt motion, often overhanded and with a degree of carelessness, like flinging clothes to the floor.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
When you toss something, it’s often done with some control and intention, such as tossing a salad where the ingredients are lightly mixed. To fling something is to throw it without much concern for where it lands, such as flinging a backpack onto a bed in a haphazard manner.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
In sports, a player might toss a ball to a teammate as part of a strategic play, which is a deliberate and controlled action. In a moment of frustration, the same player might fling their equipment aside, demonstrating a lack of control and precision.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
The word toss can also imply a degree of randomness or chance, as in tossing a coin. Fling seldom has connotations of chance; it often carries an implication of decisiveness or impulsiveness in the act of throwing.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
Toss can also be used in a figurative sense, such as tossing ideas around in a brainstorming session, suggesting a casual and informal exchange. Fling doesn’t comfortably fit into such figurative language; it retains its physicality, often indicating a sudden or rash action.
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Emotional Context
Neutral or playful
Often associated with frustration or impetuosity
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
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Toss and Fling Definitions
Fling
To move oneself in a sudden and vigorous manner.
The child flung himself into his mother's arms.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
Toss
To mix ingredients lightly.
Toss the salad with some olive oil and vinegar.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Fling
To throw forcefully or carelessly.
In a fit of anger, she flung the vase against the wall.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Toss
To flip a coin to decide something.
They decided to toss a coin for the last slice of pizza.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
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Fling
To cast aside or discard.
She flung her ex-boyfriend's letters into the fire.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Toss
To throw something aside carelessly.
He tossed his dirty laundry onto the chair.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Fling
To put or send abruptly.
He flung down his resignation letter on the boss's desk.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
Toss
To discuss ideas informally.
Let's toss around some ideas for the new marketing campaign.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Fling
To engage in a short-lived, casual relationship.
They had a summer fling that ended as the leaves began to fall.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
Toss
To throw lightly or casually or with a sudden jerk
Tossed the shirt on the floor.
Sumera Saeed
Jan 01, 2023
Fling
To put or send suddenly or unexpectedly
Troops that were flung into battle.
Sumera Saeed
Jan 01, 2023
FAQs
Can fling be used in a romantic context?
Yes, fling can refer to a short and casual romantic relationship.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Can I use toss when referring to throwing heavy objects?
Toss is usually for light objects; heavy ones would not fit the term well.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Is tossing always done with the hands?
Yes, tossing typically involves using the hands.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Can fling imply a lack of care?
Yes, fling often suggests a careless or forceful action.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Is 'tossing and turning' an example of figurative language?
Yes, it's a figurative way to describe restless movement in bed.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Can you use fling to describe a throw in sports?
It's less common, as fling lacks the precision often associated with sports.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Can athletes toss equipment in their sport?
Yes, athletes often toss items like batons in track and field.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
Is it correct to say 'toss a pancake'?
Yes, 'toss a pancake' is a common phrase for flipping it in the air.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Do the words fling and toss have the same level of intensity?
No, fling usually implies more intensity than toss.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Is there a game that involves tossing?
Yes, games like cornhole involve tossing bean bags.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
Does fling always mean to throw with hands?
Typically, yes, but it can also describe the sudden movement of the body.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Is it more common to toss or fling a coin?
Tossing a coin is the usual phrase, especially when deciding something by chance.
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
Does fling have a positive or negative connotation?
Fling often has a negative or aggressive connotation.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Are there any idioms with the word toss?
Yes, such as "toss your hat into the ring."
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
Is it appropriate to use fling to describe a methodical action?
No, fling implies a lack of method or planning.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Is flinging something likely to cause damage?
Yes, due to the force, flinging something can cause damage.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Can toss be used as a noun?
Yes, toss can be a noun referring to the act of throwing lightly.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Would you fling something you treasure?
No, because fling implies a lack of care or consideration.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
Is toss a synonym for throw?
Yes, but toss implies a lighter or more careful throw.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Can fling be a verb and a noun?
Yes, it can be both: the action of throwing or a short, casual relationship.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
