Pronunciation: [ɡˈɑːdən slˈʌɡ] (IPA) 
The spelling of "garden slug" is straightforward, with no irregularities or silent letters. The word is pronounced /ˈɡɑːrdən slʌɡ/, with equal emphasis on both syllables. The "g" is pronounced as a hard "g", and the "a" sounds like "ar" in "car." The "d" in "garden" is pronounced as a soft "d" sound, and the "l" is pronounced clearly. In "slug," the "s" is pronounced as a hissing "s," and the "u" sounds like the "u" in "hut."
A garden slug is a type of gastropod mollusk belonging to the family Arionidae, commonly found in gardens, lawns, and other outdoor areas. With a slimy and elongated body, ranging in color from pale yellow to dark brown, these invertebrates are notorious for their herbivorous nature and their preference for decaying plant matter. Garden slugs thrive in moist and humid environments, particularly during rainy seasons.
In terms of appearance, garden slugs typically possess a distinct foot, which allows them to move in a gliding motion across surfaces. They have two pairs of retractable tentacles on their head, with the upper pair being shorter and often bearing light-sensitive eyespots. The lower pair is longer and equipped with sensory organs that help them detect food and navigate their surroundings.
Unfortunately, these creatures are often considered pests in gardens due to their voracious appetite for plants. They indiscriminately feed on a wide range of vegetation, including flowers, leaves, fruits, and vegetables. This can cause significant damage to garden crops and ornamental plants, leading to reduced yields and unsightly gardens.
Garden slugs reproduce by laying clusters of translucent, gelatinous eggs in moist soil or hidden crevices. Juvenile slugs, known as hatchlings, typically go through several molting stages as they grow into adult slugs, shedding their old shells each time. To protect themselves from dehydration and predators, they secrete a slimy mucus, which also aids their movement.
Due to the harmful impact they can have on gardens, garden slugs are often targeted through various control methods, such as handpicking, the use of barriers, and the application of chemical treatments.
The word "garden slug" is a compound term consisting of two parts - "garden" and "slug".
The term "garden" can be traced back to the Old Northern French word "gardin" from the 13th century. It derived from the Frankish word "gardo" meaning "enclosure" or "fenced area". The Frankish word itself can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "gardaz", meaning "enclosure" or "protective fence". Over time, "garden" came to refer specifically to a cultivated area for growing plants, often in a residential setting.
The word "slug" has a much older origin. It can be traced back to Old English, where it was spelled "slecg", referring to a slow, slimy creature without a shell.
