slick — smooth and slippery; skillfully done but superficial
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: smooth and slippery; skillfully done but superficial
Pronunciation (IPA): /slɪk/
Example Sentences
- The salesman gave a slick presentation, but I didn't trust his smooth talk.
- After using too much hair gel, his head looked like a slick dolphin.
- The oil slick from the tanker accident covered miles of ocean.
slick
ADJECTIVE[/slɪk/]
smooth and slippery; skillfully done but superficial
smooth and slippery; skillfully done but superficial
On the slick street, a quick trick!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Slick originates from Middle English in the 14th century, derived from the adjective form meaning 'smooth' or 'sleek.' The word evolved from earlier Germanic roots and developed its modern meanings, including 'glossy,' 'slippery,' and figuratively 'clever' or 'deceptive.'
Breakdown
The word combines a smooth/sleek root (cognate with Old Norse 'slikr') with the adjectival suffix -ic, though the morphological boundary is historical; 'slick' functions as a unified adjective rather than a transparent suffix construction in modern English.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The salesman gave a slick presentation, but I didn't trust his smooth talk.”
“After using too much hair gel, his head looked like a slick dolphin.”
“The oil slick from the tanker accident covered miles of ocean.”
“Be careful on the slick floor - the janitor just mopped it.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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