# slimy

/ˈsɫaɪmi/ (US) · /slˈaɪmi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/slimy
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. covered in slime

adjective · CEFR B2

covered in a wet, slippery, and often unpleasant substance.

For teachers: covered with or consisting of slime; having a viscous, slippery texture that is typically perceived as repulsive.

- 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.

### 2. dishonest or fake

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal

acting friendly in a way that feels fake or dishonest, usually to get something.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. disgusting or morally low

adjective · CEFR C1 · Slang

very unpleasant, dirty, or morally wrong.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The rocks by the river were very slimy and slippery.
- I didn't trust the salesman because he had a slimy way of giving fake compliments.
- The cave walls were coated in a thick, slimy moss that thrived in the damp darkness, making every handhold a potential hazard for the climbers.

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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.