icky

[ ik-ee ]

adjective

, Informal.

, ick·i·er, ick·i·est.

1. repulsive or distasteful.

   Synonyms: nasty, revolting

2. excessively sweet or sentimental.
3. unsophisticated or old-fashioned.

   Synonyms: gooey, gummy

4. sticky; viscid.

icky

/ ˈɪkɪ /

adjective

1. sticky
2. excessively sentimental or emotional

Derived Forms

• ˈickiness, noun

Other Words From

• icki·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of icky¹

An Americanism dating back to 1930–35; of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

She added that the head teacher later told her he could imagine her on the beach in a bikini, which she said made her feel "icky" and "uncomfortable".

From BBC

What have you learned is important when you’re collaborating with others and making sure things don’t get icky?

From Los Angeles Times

His gigantic, grotesque foot with its mangled big toe and icky toenails.

From Los Angeles Times

“We want the mercado to be free because it would also feel icky to charge people to come in. … We want this to be accessible for everyone.”

From Seattle Times

And then lying in the forest was tricky because I had a handful of bugs and it was like icky icky icky.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• disgusting
• horrible
• nasty
• sickening