What does slick mean?
Slick is an adjective with several closely related meanings. At its most literal, it describes something smooth, polished, or glossy, as in slick hair or a slick metal surface. It can also mean stylish and sophisticated, especially of a person, appearance, or performance. In figurative contexts, slick often suggests shrewdness or cunning, sometimes implying that someone is manipulative or has an overly smooth manner. The word is also used for skillful, quick, and effective action. Its range of meanings allows it to describe both visual polish and social or intellectual cunning. Slick is therefore useful when you want to convey not merely smoothness, but a combination of polish, cleverness, and potential deception.
Smooth, polished, glossy, stylish, shrewd, or cunning, depending on context.
"He brushed his slick hair back and approached the negotiations with a slick strategy."
The figurative senses often imply cleverness or deception.
A shrewd, cunning, or slippery person.
"I wouldn't trust that slick with anything important."
This is an informal and somewhat dismissive noun use.
To make something smooth or slippery, especially hair or a surface.
"He slicked back his hair before leaving the house."
This verb is commonly used in the form 'slick one's hair' and is informal.
Slick can make a surface sound glossy and a person sound cunning—the word is at home in both beauty and deception.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does slick come from?
The word dates to the Middle English period and is connected with an Old English verb meaning to make smooth or sleek. The modern adjective developed senses involving smooth or polished surfaces before extending figuratively to describe fashionable, deft, and cunning behavior. Its form is historically associated with the language of smoothness and polished appearance, although its precise development is less certain than its later semantic range.
Related word forms
How slick is actually used
The adjective is common in informal and formal English. Its figurative uses can be complimentary when describing efficient or stylish performance, but often carry a negative connotation of cunning or manipulative behavior.
Easily confused with slick
A slick surface is smooth or polished, whereas a slippery surface is difficult to stand or move on because it causes sliding.
Slick often suggests smoothness combined with cunning or stylish polish, while sleek more commonly means elegantly smooth and streamlined.