hack-and-slash

English

Alternative forms

• hack and slash

Adjective

hack-and-slash (not comparable)

1. (roleplaying games, video games, informal) Having a focus on violent combat rather than strategy.
2. (literature) Shallowly devoted to the gory details.
   • 1999, Stephen King, 1408:

     "Oh yes, I meant it as a compliment." Olin tapped the books. "I expect to finish these... but for the writing. It's the writing I like. I was surprised to find myself laughing at your quite unsupernatural adventures in Gartsby Castle, and I was surprised to find you as good as you are. As subtle as you are. I expected more hack and slash."

Derived terms

• hack-and-slasher

See also

• murderhobo