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REFERENCE

slick

adj. · n. · v.
US //ˈsɫɪk// UK //slˈɪk// slick
  1. 1 slippery (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    smooth and slippery, usually because of water, oil, or ice.

    having a smooth, slippery surface, typically due to a coating of liquid or ice.

    Example

    The roads were slick with rain after the first storm of the season.

    Example

    The pavement became incredibly slick as the light drizzle mixed with oil deposits from the heavy morning traffic.
  2. 2 professional and stylish (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    done in a very clever and professional way that looks expensive.

    executed with a high degree of professional skill and polish, often implying a sophisticated appearance.

    Example

    The company released a slick new advertisement during the game.

    Example

    The presentation was incredibly slick, featuring seamless transitions and high-definition graphics that clearly impressed the investors.
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  1. 3 untrustworthy (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    clever and persuasive but in a way that feels dishonest.

    persuasive and clever in a way that suggests a lack of sincerity or honesty.

    Example

    Don't be fooled by that slick salesman and his empty promises.

    Example

    He had a slick manner that made many people instinctively distrust his motives, despite his apparent charm.
  2. 4 a layer of liquid (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a thin layer of liquid, like oil, floating on the surface of water.

    a thin, smooth layer of liquid, especially oil, spread over a surface or floating on water.

    Example

    The coast guard worked quickly to clean up the oil slick near the beach.

    Example

    An enormous oil slick spread across the bay following the tanker's collision, threatening local wildlife habitats.
  3. 5 racing tire (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Sport

    a smooth tire without any patterns, used for racing on dry tracks.

    a smooth tire without a tread pattern, designed to provide maximum traction on dry racing surfaces.

    Example

    The driver changed to slicks because the track had finally dried out.

    Example

    As the racing line dried, the lead driver opted for a set of slicks to gain a competitive advantage in the final laps.

  4. 6 to make smooth (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to make hair or a surface smooth and shiny, often using water or oil.

    to make a surface or hair smooth and glossy, typically by applying a liquid or gel.

    Example

    He slicked his hair back with some gel before the wedding.

    Example

    The stylist slicked the model's hair into a tight bun to emphasize her facial features for the photoshoot.
    • roughen
Origin

From Middle English slicke, slike, slyke, from Old English slīc (“sleek, smooth; crafty, cunning, slick”), from Proto-Germanic slīkaz (“sleek, smooth”), from Proto-Indo-European sleyg-, *sleyǵ- (“to glide, smooth, spread”). Akin to Dutch sluik, dialectal Dutch sleek (“even, smooth”), Old Norse slíkr (“sleek, smooth”), Old English slician (“to make sleek, smooth, or glossy”).

Idioms1 entry

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