Slippery Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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slippery

[ˈslɪpəri ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

on a surface

Causing or tending to cause something to slide or fall because of being smooth, wet, icy, etc.

Synonyms

icy, smooth, wet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
slippery	Used to describe surfaces that are difficult to stand or walk on due to lack of friction, often because of water, oil, or other lubricants. Be careful after the rain; the sidewalk is very slippery The floor became slippery after the oil spill
smooth	Describes surfaces that are even and without roughness, can be pleasant to touch and not necessarily difficult to walk on. The table has a very smooth finish He has smooth skin
wet	Indicates surfaces or objects that are covered with water or another liquid, which may or may not be slippery. My shoes are wet from the rain The bathroom floor is wet after a shower
icy	Specifically refers to surfaces covered with a thin layer of ice, making them dangerous to walk on, usually during winter. The roads are icy today, so drive slowly Her hands felt icy cold after playing in the snow

Examples of usage

The floor was wet and slippery after the rain.
Be careful on the slippery ice.
The rocks near the river are very slippery.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

in character

Not to be trusted

Synonyms

devious, shifty, sneaky, untrustworthy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
slippery	Describing a surface that is difficult to stand on due to a lack of friction, or describing a person who is difficult to catch or pin down, often in a dishonest way. The roads were very slippery after the rain He is a slippery politician who always avoids answering tough questions
untrustworthy	Describing someone or something that cannot be relied upon because they are likely to be dishonest or unreliable. It carries a strong negative connotation. He proved to be untrustworthy when he lied about his alibi Don't leave your belongings with her; she's untrustworthy
devious	Describing someone who uses dishonest tricks and methods to achieve their goals; often implies a more calculated and clever form of deceit. Her devious plan to win the promotion involved spreading rumors about her competitors The criminal was known for his devious methods
sneaky	Describing someone who behaves or moves in a secretive, sly way, usually to avoid detection. Generally, it implies underhanded actions. The sneaky cat stole a piece of fish from the table She was being sneaky about her surprise party plans
shifty	Used to describe someone who seems to be dishonest or untrustworthy by their behavior or appearance. Often has a negative connotation. The man looked shifty, constantly glancing around as if he had something to hide His shifty smile made me doubt his intentions

Examples of usage

He's a slippery character, you never know what he's up to.
I wouldn't trust him, he's too slippery.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

Surfaces become slippery due to the presence of water or lubricants, reducing friction between objects.
Scientists study the properties of slippery materials to create better non-slip surfaces in various industries.
In biomechanics, slip occurs when the friction force is exceeded by the forces acting on an object, like a foot on a wet floor.

Literature

In fables, a 'slippery character' often symbolizes deceit or unreliability, making them a cautionary figure.
William Shakespeare used 'slippery' in his plays to describe situations or characters that are elusive or hard to grasp.
The image of a slippery slope is a common metaphor in storytelling, representing a situation that can lead to negative outcomes.

Pop Culture

Slippery surfaces are often portrayed in cartoons, like classic scenes where characters comically slip and fall.
In films, 'slippery' characters might embody cunning villains who are hard to catch or confront directly.
Musicians sometimes use the term to describe difficult situations, such as 'slippery slopes' of fame or temptation in lyrics.

Everyday Life

Common slippery items include ice, spilled water, or soap, which can turn an ordinary surface into a hazard.
Pedestrian safety campaigns often highlight the dangers of slippery roads during winter, emphasizing the importance of caution.
Cleaning products marketed as 'non-slip' showcase the effort to combat slippery surfaces at home, especially in bathrooms.

Origin of 'slippery'

Main points about word origin

The word 'slippery' originates from the Middle English word 'slippere,' meaning to glide or slide.
Old Norse had a similar word, 'sleip,' related to sliding, showing the connection across languages.
The earliest recorded use of 'slippery' in English dates back to the 14th century, highlighting its long-standing presence.

The word 'slippery' has its origin in the Middle English word 'slipery'. It is derived from the Old English word 'slypiġ' which means causing to slip. Over time, the word evolved to its current form 'slippery' in Modern English. The concept of slipperiness has been a common concern throughout history, especially in relation to safety and caution on slippery surfaces.

See also: slip, slipper, slipperiness, slippers, slipping, slips.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,284, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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12281 clustered
12282 preferring
12283 abbot
12284 slippery
12285 intellectually
12286 repent
12287 misfortunes
...