slicker
UK: ˈslɪkə | US: ˈslɪkər
n. 1. A waterproof coat, typically made of oilskin or plastic.
n. 2. (Informal) A shrewd or smooth-talking person, often implying deceitfulness.
adj. (Comparative form of slick) 1. More slippery or glossy.
adj. 2. More superficially clever or polished.
slicker = slick<smooth/shiny> + er<comparative suffix or agent noun suffix>
- slick (from Old English slician, "to make smooth") → Evolved to mean "slippery" or "polished," later extended to describe cleverness.
- er → A suffix forming comparatives (e.g., faster) or agent nouns (e.g., teacher).
Etymology Origin:
Originally, slicker referred to a waterproof coat (mid-19th century), named for its smooth, glossy surface. The informal sense of a "smooth-talking person" emerged later, playing on the dual meaning of slick—both physical smoothness and social shrewdness. The word’s evolution mirrors how material traits metaphorically describe human behavior.
He wore a yellow slicker to stay dry in the rain.
The salesman was a slicker who fooled many with his charm.
The floor became slicker after it was waxed.
Her presentation was slicker than her colleague’s.
Beware of slickers offering too-good-to-be-true deals.