Word
slimy
US/ˈsɫaɪmi/
UK/slˈaɪmi/
Definitions
01covered in slime
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. covered in a wet, slippery, and often unpleasant substance.
adj. covered with or consisting of slime; having a viscous, slippery texture that is typically perceived as repulsive.
日本語:ぬるぬるした※
“The rocks by the river were slimy and difficult to walk on.”
“After the heavy rain, the garden path became covered in a slimy layer of algae, making it a significant slipping hazard for visitors.”
02dishonest or fake
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal
adj. acting friendly in a way that feels fake or dishonest, usually to get something.
adj. characterised by a false, oily, or calculating friendliness; exhibiting a lack of integrity through smarmy or underhanded behavior.
“I didn't trust that slimy salesman who tried to pressure me into buying the car.”
“The politician's slimy attempt to deflect the scandal by praising his opponents only served to further alienate the skeptical electorate.”
Synonyms
03disgusting or morally low
C1 · Advanced Slang
adj. very unpleasant, dirty, or morally wrong.
adj. morally offensive or physically disgusting; used to describe environments or actions that provoke strong revulsion.
“He was involved in some slimy business deals that ruined his reputation.”
“The investigation uncovered a slimy network of corruption that had been operating within the city council for over a decade.”
Synonyms
Etymology
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.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/slimy
※ 機械で選んだ訳語です。ネイティブスピーカーによる確認はまだです。
「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0