What does "milky" mean?

1. (resembling milk) looking like milk in its white colour or thick texture. 2. (containing milk) having a lot of milk in it, like a drink. 3. (pale or cloudy) pale and white, often used to describe skin or eyes that are not clear. 4. (cowardly) weak or afraid to do something.

How do you use "milky"?

Commonly used in London-based dialects or older British slang to insult someone's bravery.

milky

adj.

US //ˈmɪɫki// UK //mˈɪlki// milky

1 resembling milk (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

looking like milk in its white colour or thick texture.

resembling milk in appearance, particularly regarding its white colour, opacity, or consistency.

Example

The river water was milky and white after the heavy rain stirred up the clay.

Example

The glass had a milky finish that obscured the view while still allowing soft light to filter into the private office.
- whitish
- opaque
- pearly
- clear
- transparent
2 containing milk (adj.)
B1 Intermediate Cooking

having a lot of milk in it, like a drink.

containing a significant proportion of milk; often used to describe the preparation of tea or coffee.

Example

She prefers a very milky coffee with two sugars in the morning.

Example

The waiter served a tray of milky tea and biscuits to the guests as they settled into the lounge.
- creamy
- black

Show 2 more sensesShow fewer

3 pale or cloudy (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

pale and white, often used to describe skin or eyes that are not clear.

having a pale, clouded, or translucent quality; frequently applied to skin tones or the appearance of eyes affected by cataracts.

Example

The old dog had milky eyes and could no longer see his ball.

Example

Her milky complexion was a striking contrast to the dark velvet of her evening gown.
- pale
- cloudy
- filmy
- clear
- vibrant
4 cowardly (adj.)
C2 Proficiency British English Slang

weak or afraid to do something.

lacking courage or strength of character; weak-willed.

Example

Don't be so milky; it's just a small jump into the water.

Example

The antagonist mocked his rival for being milky, suggesting he lacked the stomach for a real confrontation.

Usage

Commonly used in London-based dialects or older British slang to insult someone's bravery.

Teacher's tip

This is highly regional and informal; learners should avoid using it unless they are very familiar with the specific cultural context.
- brave
- tough

Origin

From Middle English mylky, melky, equivalent to milk + -y. Cognate with Saterland Frisian moalkig (“milky”), West Frisian molkich (“milky”), Dutch melkig (“milky”), German Low German melkig (“milky”), German milchig (“milky”), Danish mælkig (“milky”), Swedish mjölkig (“milky”), Icelandic mjólkugur (“milky”). Doublet of milchig.