Origin and history of slash

1540s, intransitive, "to make cuts or cutting motions with a stroke of a blade or whip;" 1580s, transitive, "cut with long incisions;" perhaps from French esclachier "to break," variant of esclater "to break, splinter" (see slat).

Attested from 1650s as "to strike violently or at random." The meaning "to clear land" (of trees) is from 1821, American English. In reference to prices, "reduce severely," it is attested by 1876 in U.S. newspaper advertisements. Related: Slashed; slashing. Slash and burn for a method of clearing forest for cultivation is by 1887.

"a sweeping or cutting stroke with an edged weapon," 1570s, from slash (v.). The sense of "slit cut into the stuff of a garment," to show a different material beneath, is from 1610s. As a punctuation mark in writing or printing, it is recorded from 1961.

The meaning "open tract in a forest" is attested by 1825, American English, from being cut clear of trees. The slash that means "swampy ground, wet bottom land" (1650s) is said to be a different word, of obscure origin.