Slick
/slɪk/
Definitions
4 meaningsHaving a smooth, glossy surface; slippery.
/slɪk/
Smooth and glossy; slippery
The newly polished floor was incredibly slick.
💡 Simply: Imagine a freshly waxed car or a wet sidewalk after rain. 'Slick' means something is smooth and might be a little slippery. It's like when you put butter on a pan, making it easy for the food to slide around!
👶 For kids: Like something that is very smooth and kind of slippery, like when you step on a banana peel!
More Examples
She used a slick lotion to soften her skin.
The ice made the sidewalk slick, so people had to walk carefully.
How It's Used
"The car's slick paint job gleamed in the sunlight."
"The rain made the roads slick."
Showing skillful execution or performance; clever or artful, often in a deceptive way.
/slɪk/
Skillful and clever, especially in a way that seems superficial or insincere
The slick lawyer convinced the jury of his client's innocence.
💡 Simply: If someone is 'slick,' they might seem smooth and convincing, but maybe a little too much so. It’s like a magician who is very good at their tricks, but you know they are trying to fool you in a clever way.
👶 For kids: Being clever and quick like a sneaky fox. Sometimes means someone tries to trick you by being smooth and nice.
More Examples
He gave a slick presentation, but it lacked substance.
The movie used slick special effects to captivate the audience.
How It's Used
"The slick salesman convinced him to buy a product he didn't need."
"His slick apologies didn't fool anyone; they knew he didn't mean them."
To make something smooth or glossy; to apply something in a thin layer.
/slɪk/
To make something smooth and glossy
He slicked his hair back with water.
💡 Simply: To make something look smooth, glossy, and sleek. Like when you use gel to make your hair lie perfectly flat and shiny.
👶 For kids: To make something smooth or shiny, like putting oil on a pan.
More Examples
She slicked the surface of the cake with frosting.
The mechanic slicked the engine parts with oil.
How It's Used
"She slicked her hair back with hair gel."
"He slicked the pan with oil before frying the eggs."
A smooth, often oily or greasy patch on a surface, especially water.
/slɪk/
An oily or smooth patch on a surface.
The birds were harmed by the oil slick.
💡 Simply: Imagine a shiny patch on a surface, like oil on water. It's often a sign of something slippery or unnatural.
👶 For kids: A slippery patch, like oil on water.
More Examples
The slick on the road caused several accidents.
A large slick appeared on the river after the factory accident.
How It's Used
"An oil slick polluted the shoreline."
"The surface of the water had a slick of iridescent material."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
slick as grease
Very smooth and slippery.
"The ice rink was slick as grease, making it hard to skate."
slick operation
A carefully planned and smoothly executed operation.
"The bank robbery was a slick operation, carried out with precision."
From Middle English *slik*, from Old English *slīc* ('smooth, slippery'). Cognate with Dutch *slijk* ('mud').
The word 'slick' has been used since the late 16th century and originally referred to smooth or slippery surfaces.