Slime vs Gunge: What's the difference?

The Oxford dictionary defines gunge as "a sticky, viscous, and unpleasantly messy material." On the other hand it defines slime as "a moist, soft, and slippery substance, typically regarded as repulsive."

The Merriam-Webster his three definitions of slime, the one most germane to the present topic being: 'a viscous, glutinous, or gelatinous substance: such as a mucous or mucoid secretion of various animals'. It does not contain a definition for gunge.

Amazon.com lists more than two thousand products tagged with 'slime' but only 197 products for gunge. Some, but not all of these products, have WAM applications.

The balance of this wiki post is culled from the forum discussion 'So what is the difference between Slime and Gunge?' which was born on June 21, 2021.

Slime was said to be thicker and clumpier, while gunge is thinner and more watery. Gunge is sticky, while slime is slippery. However, in practice, the terms are often used interchangeably. And some would define the substances in the completely opposite differentiation. There was even discussion of polymer chains and methylcellulose.

DungeonMasterOne theorized that gunge gets poured over things whereas slime is thinner and runnier. Then KelseyRose said pretty much the opposite and she had photos.

Nor was KelseyRose content to leave it there. She said that slime is an American thing designed to humiliate and punish, its deployment often accompanied by the sound of a toilet flushing. Gunge (originally gunk?) was British and deployed with more humor.

CallumLeighUK then rejoined the debate to opine that slime was like a child's doughy toy, thick and non-liquid suitable only for fingers, not to get messy in. Gunge, on the other hand was any liquid capable by consistency and colour of completely covering the person targeted.

If you're confused, so am I...

I suggest that we not worry about definitions and focus on having fun.

Cheers!