What does slipperiest mean?
Slipperiest is the superlative form of slippery. Literally, it describes the surface, slope, or object that is most likely to cause someone to slip or lose their footing. The word often appears in practical descriptions of floors, roads, trails, and other surfaces, especially when conditions such as rain, ice, or polish make movement difficult. Figuratively, “slipperiest” can describe an argument, explanation, or person as exceptionally evasive, misleading, or difficult to hold accountable. This use is more informal and carries a clear note of distrust. The adjective is particularly useful when comparing multiple surfaces or situations, although it can also be used more loosely for the most treacherous or least reliable option.
So slippery as to be the most likely to cause slipping or loss of footing.
"We avoided the slipperiest section of the icy path."
Common in literal descriptions of surfaces, slopes, and pathways.
Exceptionally deceptive, evasive, or unreliable.
"That was the slipperiest response the minister could have given."
Informal and figurative; often used of arguments, excuses, and people.
The slipperiest surface can look perfectly harmless until it sends someone sprawling.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of slipperiest
The word belongs to the Germanic family of words associated with sliding and slipping, represented in English by slip and related forms such as slipper and slippery. The adjective slippery developed from the idea of causing or being liable to slip, and the superlative slipperiest has followed the regular inflectional pattern of English adjectives. Its figurative use extends the physical notion of instability to arguments, excuses, and conduct that evade firm grasp or responsibility.
How slipperiest is actually used
The literal sense is common in ordinary description. The figurative sense is informal and usually implies that a person or argument is evasive or difficult to trust.