slimy
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
covered in a wet, slippery, and often unpleasant substance.
covered with or consisting of slime; having a viscous, slippery texture that is typically perceived as repulsive.
Simple“The rocks by the river were slimy and difficult to walk on.”
In context“After the heavy rain, the garden path became covered in a slimy layer of algae, making it a significant slipping hazard for visitors.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
acting friendly in a way that feels fake or dishonest, usually to get something.
characterised by a false, oily, or calculating friendliness; exhibiting a lack of integrity through smarmy or underhanded behavior.
Simple“I didn't trust that slimy salesman who tried to pressure me into buying the car.”
In context“The politician's slimy attempt to deflect the scandal by praising his opponents only served to further alienate the skeptical electorate.”
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
very unpleasant, dirty, or morally wrong.
morally offensive or physically disgusting; used to describe environments or actions that provoke strong revulsion.
Simple“He was involved in some slimy business deals that ruined his reputation.”
In context“The investigation uncovered a slimy network of corruption that had been operating within the city council for over a decade.”
Synonyms
From Middle English slymy, slimi, either derived from the Old English noun slīm or an unattested *slīmiġ, replacing Old English slipiġ (“slippy, slimy”). Equivalent to slime + -y. Cognate with Dutch slijmig, slijmerig (“slimy”), German schleimig (“slimy; smarmy”), Swedish slemmig (“slimy”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.