Slicker: meaning, definitions and examples

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slicker

 

[ ˈslɪkər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

fashion

A person who is well-dressed and stylish, often with a sophisticated or trendy appearance.

Synonyms

dandy, fashionista, stylish person.

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Word Description / Examples
slicker

Usually refers to someone who is very smooth in appearance or behavior, sometimes with a negative connotation implying deceitfulness.

  • He looked like a real slicker in his new suit, but you could never trust him
dandy

Describes a man who places particular importance on his physical appearance, often dressing flamboyantly or fashionably. The term can carry an old-fashioned or even slightly mocking tone.

  • He was quite the dandy, always seen in the latest fashion and perfectly groomed
fashionista

A modern term for someone who is very interested in and knowledgeable about fashion. It is mostly used in a positive sense to describe trendy and stylish individuals.

  • She's a well-known fashionista and her outfits always steal the show at fashion week
stylish person

A general term for anyone who has a good sense of style and consistently dresses well. This term is neutral or positive and can be used for people of any gender.

  • He's known as a stylish person in the office, always wearing the latest trends with confidence

Examples of usage

  • He always stood out in a crowd, a real slicker with his designer suits.
  • The party was full of young slickers showing off their latest fashion trends.
Context #2 | Noun

American West

A person from the city who is inexperienced in rural or outdoor activities, especially in cowboy culture.

Synonyms

city slicker, greenhorn, tenderfoot.

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Word Description / Examples
slicker

Used to describe someone who is charming and smooth in their behavior, often with a slight connotation of dishonesty or superficiality.

  • That guy is a real slicker; he can talk his way out of anything.
  • Be careful doing business with him, he's a slicker.
city slicker

Specifically refers to someone who is from the city and may lack practical skills or common sense in rural or less urban settings. Often used humorously or pejoratively.

  • The city slicker struggled to start the campfire.
  • They called him a city slicker because he got lost in the woods.
greenhorn

Describes someone who is inexperienced or new to a particular activity or field. It has a slightly negative connotation, implying naivety.

  • The greenhorn made a lot of mistakes on his first day.
  • It's easy to spot a greenhorn by their hesitation.
tenderfoot

Similar to 'greenhorn', this term is used to describe someone new to a difficult or rugged environment. Often used in contexts like hiking, scouting, or any situation requiring tough adaptability.

  • As a tenderfoot in the scouts, he had a lot to learn.
  • The seasoned cowboys laughed at the tenderfoot's struggles.

Examples of usage

  • The slicker was clearly out of his element when he tried to ride a horse for the first time.
  • He looked like a typical slicker with his shiny shoes and lack of knowledge about camping.
Context #3 | Noun

rain protection

A long, loose-fitting overcoat made of oilskin or other waterproof material, worn to protect against rain.

Synonyms

mackintosh, raincoat, waterproof coat.

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Word Description / Examples
slicker

Used to describe a shiny, glossy raincoat often made of plastic or rubber.

  • He grabbed his yellow slicker from the hook by the door before heading out into the storm.
  • Children wearing colorful slickers splashed in the puddles.
raincoat

A general term for any coat designed to protect against rain. It can be made of various materials.

  • Make sure to pack your raincoat for the trip, just in case it rains.
  • He lent her his raincoat when the skies suddenly opened up.
mackintosh

A type of waterproof raincoat made of rubberized fabric. The term is more commonly used in British English.

  • Don't forget your mackintosh; the forecast says it's going to rain all day.
  • She wore a classic mackintosh to keep dry during the unexpected downpour.
waterproof coat

Refers to any coat made from materials that prevent water from passing through, suitable for various outdoor activities beyond just rain.

  • Her waterproof coat was perfect for the hike in the misty mountains.
  • He invested in a high-quality waterproof coat for his upcoming fishing trip.

Examples of usage

  • He put on his slicker before heading out into the storm.
  • The fishermen wore slickers to stay dry while working on the boat.

Translations

Translations of the word "slicker" in other languages:

🇵🇹 impermeável

🇮🇳 बरसाती

🇩🇪 Regenmantel

🇮🇩 jas hujan

🇺🇦 плащ

🇵🇱 płaszcz przeciwdeszczowy

🇯🇵 レインコート

🇫🇷 imperméable

🇪🇸 impermeable

🇹🇷 yağmurluk

🇰🇷 비옷

🇸🇦 معطف واق من المطر

🇨🇿 pláštěnka

🇸🇰 pršiplášť

🇨🇳 雨衣

🇸🇮 dežni plašč

🇮🇸 regnkápa

🇰🇿 жаңбыр пальто

🇬🇪 წვიმის მოსაცმელი

🇦🇿 yağmurluq

🇲🇽 impermeable

Etymology

The word 'slicker' originated in the mid-19th century in the United States, derived from the verb 'slick,' meaning smooth, shiny, or sleek. Initially used to describe a person who was well-dressed and sophisticated, it later evolved to also refer to someone inexperienced in rural activities, especially in the American West. The term 'slicker' gained popularity in cowboy culture to denote city dwellers who were out of their element in the wilderness. Additionally, 'slicker' is used to describe a type of raincoat designed to protect against wet weather conditions.

See also: slick, slickly, slickness.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,107 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.