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• dick
  dick

  noun

  a detective.
• Dick
  Dick

  noun

  George Frederick, 1881–1967, U.S. internist.

dick

¹ American  

[dik] / dɪk /

noun

Slang.

1. Older Use. a detective.

2. Vulgar. penis.

3. Vulgar. a stupid, mean, or contemptible person, especially a man.

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Dick ² American  

[dik] / dɪk /

noun

1. George Frederick, 1881–1967, U.S. internist.

2. Philip K., 1928–82, U.S. science-fiction writer.

3. a male given name, form of Richard.

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dick ¹ British  

/ dɪk /

noun

1. a fellow or person

2. a person who is obnoxiously opinionated or self-satisfied; know-all

3. a slang word for penis

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dick ² British  

/ dɪk /

noun

1. a slang word for detective

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Dick Scientific  

/ dĭk /

1. American medical researcher who collaborated with his wife, Gladys Henry Dick (1881–1963), to isolate the bacterium that causes scarlet fever. They developed a serum for the disease in 1923.

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Dick Idioms  

1. see every tom, dick, and harry.

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Usage

The third sense of this word was formerly considered to be taboo and it was labelled as such in previous editions of Collins English Dictionary . However, it has now become acceptable in speech, although some older or more conservative people may object to its use

Etymology

Origin of dick

First recorded in 1545–55; generic use of the name Dick ( def. )

Explanation

Dick is a vulgar slang word for a penis. It's also an insulting thing to call someone you don't like, especially a boy or man. Much like ass, this word for a below-the-belt body part is very commonly used as an insult meaning pretty much "jerk" or "idiot." Only males have dicks, and this insult is usually used toward a guy who is "acting like a dick." Lots of people find this word offensive, especially parents, teachers, and other adults. If you have to discuss a dick, you're better off saying penis or using a slang word that's sillier and less offensive, like johnson.

Example Sentences

Buttery says there are some we probably recognise the names of but probably couldn't describe in detail and wouldn't really cook any more - like spotted dick.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

Its assets were acquired by Boehly’s Eldridge Industries, along with dick clark productions, a group that is owned by Penske Media whose assets also include Variety, Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, Rolling Stone and Billboard.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 10, 2023

My biggest beef with Forgotten Land is that, as a heretofore non-Kirby player, Kirby kinda comes off as a dick.

From The Verge • Mar. 23, 2022

The Academy of Country Music, dick clark productions, and CBS announced the nominations on Friday, which honors some of the biggest talent and rising stars within country music.

From Fox News • Feb. 26, 2021

They were quiet for a time, watching the fields and lanes dick past.

From "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling

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