When a driver is released from or breaks through a traffic obstruction and accelerates excessively as if to make up for lost mileage. As the driver is restrained by some traffic obstruction, tension builds. When the obstruction is removed, the driver "slingshots" forward, releasing the tension.
Frankie was unfortunate to get caught behind a bunch of blue hairs when church let out. When he finally got to his turn-off, he experienced the slingshot effect and drove like he was in NASCAR the rest of the way home.
by beer snob April 29, 2007