Sloes are small blue-black fruits that come from the blackthorn plant. They have a sharp, tart flavor and are often used to make sloe gin. However, there are several synonyms for the word sloes, including prunus spinosa, blackthorn berries, wild plums, and hedge plums. These synonyms can be used interchangeably depending on the context and region. For example, in the UK, sloes are commonly referred to as blackthorn berries, while in some parts of the US, they are known as wild plums. Regardless of the term used, sloes make a delicious and distinct ingredient in many culinary and cocktail recipes.