# NIC

/ˈnɪk/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nic
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. computer hardware

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

Stands for network interface card. It is a piece of hardware inside a computer that allows it to connect to a network or the internet.

For teachers: Abbreviation for network interface card. A hardware component, typically a circuit board or chip, installed in a computer so that it can connect to a network.

- The technician replaced the broken NIC so the computer could connect to the office Wi-Fi again.
- If the onboard NIC fails, you may need to install a dedicated PCIe network card to restore high-speed ethernet connectivity.

Usage: Usually pronounced as a single word /nɪk/ in technical contexts.

Teaching tip: While 'network card' is more common for general users, IT professionals use the acronym NIC.

### 2. UK tax

noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Formal

Stands for National Insurance contribution. This is a tax that workers and employers in the UK pay to help fund state benefits and pensions.

For teachers: Abbreviation for National Insurance contribution. A mandatory payment made by employees and employers in the United Kingdom to fund social security benefits.

- Your monthly payslip shows how much you paid in income tax and NIC.
- The chancellor announced a slight reduction in the main rate of Class 1 NIC for employees starting in the next tax year.

Usage: Often used in the plural (NICs) when referring to the payments in general.

Teaching tip: This is essential vocabulary for anyone working or living in the UK, but it is rarely used elsewhere.

### 3. nicotine

noun · CEFR C2 · Slang · Informal

a short, informal way to say nicotine, often used when talking about vaping or smoking.

For teachers: a slang clipping of nicotine, frequently used in the context of electronic cigarettes and vaping products.

- He switched to a vape juice with a lower nic strength to help him quit.
- The shop sells various e-liquids, ranging from high nic concentrations to nicotine-free options.

Usage: Commonly used as a modifier, as in 'nic salt' or 'nic hit'.

Teaching tip: This is very modern slang associated with vaping culture; it is not appropriate for formal writing or medical contexts.

## Examples

- This vape juice has a high nic content.
- He decided to switch to a lower nic strength to gradually reduce his dependency on vaping.
- The rapid absorption of nic through salt-based formulations has significantly altered the user experience in the modern electronic cigarette market compared to traditional freebase options.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.