What does "sling your hook" mean in England?

[SwissTony]

I'm listening to a new CD from my favourite singer. No names because it'll sound like a cheap publicity stunt.

(S)he sings...

"I had a surplus of regret
A hundred hooks I'd not slung yet"

In Australia, it means "get lost", "go away". The line doesn't seem to fit in with my interpretation of the expression, nor does it fit in with the rest of the lyrics of the song.

Urban dictionary has the same meaning as me. But is there a different/alternative interpretation in England.

Not the most pressing problem you'll face today, I know. I'm just curious.

Thanks.

[LeftishBrit]

1. It usually means the same in England: 'go away'

Exact origin not certain, but probably from the use of 'hook' to mean a ship's anchor; so has the implication 'raise your anchor and sail away'.

I'm not familiar with the song, though it sounds interesting. Perhaps it means regret that the singer has not made more literal or metaphorical journeys, or has not 'slung their hook' and gone away from things that have become a rut, or from self-destructive relationships? Just guesses.

[SwissTony]

3. Actually, your second paragraph sounds pretty much what the rest of the lyrics say.

You're a better poet than me, sir/madam.

It's a great song. It's not surprising you're not familiar with it. The CD came out just a couple of days ago. A single (which contains the lines I quoted) came out a couple of weeks ago and has had a bit of airtime on BBC2 Radio.

If you're interested, I can PM you a youtube link.

Thanks for your input.

[LeftishBrit]

5. Thanks - please do pm me; I'm getting very curious about this song!

[DreamGypsy]

2. Don't know about any modern meanings, but I found an explanation...

...on World Wide Words, which supports the definitions you've found with ome interesting historical background for the phrase.

(can't excerpt the text due to copyright)

[SwissTony]

4. Wow. I'd heard about the anchor interpretation, but about the miner.

Fascinating stuff, language.

Thanks for that page and that site. Lots to explore.

[dipsydoodle]

6. Its complicated

The origin was"sling one's Daniel" ......Daniel meaning to decamp. Problem is nobody knows the origin of Daniel. The miners ref. was "sling one's self"

btw - I've got a copy of Partridge.

[MADem]

7. On yer bike, then! nt