slick

UK: slɪk | US: slɪk

Definition

  1. adj. smooth and glossy; superficially attractive or clever

  2. adj. skillful or efficient (often with a hint of deceit)

  3. vt. to make smooth or glossy

  4. n. a smooth or slippery surface (e.g., oil slick)

Structure
slick <smooth/slippery>
Etymology

The word "slick" traces back to Old English slician, meaning "to make smooth or polish." Over time, it evolved to describe both physical smoothness (e.g., a slick surface) and metaphorical smoothness (e.g., a slick talker). The modern sense of "clever but potentially deceitful" emerged in the 19th century, reflecting the dual nature of something that appears polished but may hide flaws.

Examples

  1. The road was slick after the rain, making driving hazardous.

  2. He gave a slick presentation, but his arguments lacked substance.

  3. She used a cloth to slick back her hair.

  4. The salesman’s slick demeanor made me distrust him.

  5. An oil slick spread across the surface of the water.