Part of Speech

Adjective, Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈdɪki/

Definitions

• Adjective: Used to describe something that is not functioning well or is in a state of disrepair. Example: "The car has a dicky engine."
• Adjective: Describing something or someone as somewhat unreliable or suspicious. Example: "He gave me a dicky excuse for not attending the meeting."
• Noun: A type of false shirtfront, often worn as part of a formal outfit to give the appearance of a full shirt without the actual shirt. Example: "He wore a white dicky with his tuxedo."

Usage Examples

• "The machine is a bit dicky; it works sometimes and not others."
• "She gave a dicky response when asked about her plans for the weekend."
• "He fixed the dicky radio after a few tries, but it still sounds off."

Etymology

The word "dicky" likely comes from the nickname "Dick," which was historically used to refer to various kinds of devices or things associated with malfunctioning, poor quality, or a lack of reliability. The term evolved to describe objects or situations that were less than optimal or in a state of disrepair.

Synonyms

• Faulty
• Unreliable
• Wobbly
• Defective
• Shaky

Antonyms

• Reliable
• Functional
• Sturdy
• Strong

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, "dicky" is often pronounced with a harder "i": /ˈdɪki/.
• In British English, the pronunciation softens the "i" sound: /ˈdɪki/.

Historical Usage

The term "dicky" has been in use for centuries, evolving from the word "Dick," which was used in reference to unreliable or malfunctioning things. Over time, it became a common slang term, used to describe things that are in poor condition or not functioning properly. It has also found its way into colloquial usage to describe a person who is unreliable or deceptive.

Cultural Nuances

"Dicky" is often used in informal or humorous contexts to describe something or someone that is not quite right or in a state of disrepair. The word can be applied to anything from machinery to people, and its usage often carries an implication of being less than ideal, but not necessarily catastrophic.

More Information

The term "dicky" is still widely used in colloquial speech, especially in describing things that are malfunctioning or unreliable. Whether referring to a car engine, a computer, or a person's behavior, "dicky" conveys the idea of something being not quite right. It can be used both humorously and critically, depending on the context, and is often used in casual conversation.