English edit

Etymology edit

From Middle English slymy, slimi, either derived from the noun Old English slīm or an unattested *slīmiġ, replacing Old English slipig (slippy). Equivalent to slime +‎ -y. Cognate with Dutch slijmig, slijmerig (slimy), German schleimig (slimy; smarmy), Swedish slemmig (slimy).

Pronunciation edit

  • IPA(key): /ˈslaɪ.mi/
  • (file)
  • Rhymes: -aɪmi

Adjective edit

slimy (comparative slimier, superlative slimiest)

  1. Of or pertaining to slime
  2. resembling, of the nature of, covered or daubed with, or abounding in slime
    Synonyms: viscous, glutinous
    The frog's body was all slimy.
    • 1798, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, The Rime of the Ancyent Marinere:
      Slimy things did crawl with legs
      Upon the slimy sea.
  3. (slang, figuratively) Friendly in a false, calculating way; underhanded; two-faced; sneaky; slick; smarmy.
    • 1994, Jim Ranie, Jargodin: The Moonlighter, Brisbane: Jim Ranie, page 83:
      "I looked at this moon-faced, smooth skinned, slimy fraud, with his patronising smile."

Synonyms edit

Derived terms edit

Translations edit

Noun edit

slimy (plural slimies)

  1. A ponyfish.

Anagrams edit