nicker
C2informal, literary (verb); slang (noun)
Definition
Meaning
to neigh; to make the characteristic vocal sound of a horse
a slang term for a pound sterling (British currency)
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a verb, primarily refers to animal sounds. As a noun (British slang), it's dated but still understood. Rarely used in modern American English except in literary contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Noun meaning 'pound' is exclusively British slang. Verb usage more common in UK literature. US usage is rare and mainly in poetic/historical contexts.
Connotations
In UK: verb has rustic/literary feel; noun has informal, slightly dated working-class connotations. In US: verb sounds archaic or literary.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both variants. As slang noun, declining in UK but still recognized by older generations.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Horse] nickered at [person/animal][Horse] nickered softlyVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “not a nicker to his name (UK slang: completely broke)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used
Academic
Rare, only in literary analysis or equine studies
Everyday
Rare except in specific rural/equine contexts
Technical
Used in equine behavior descriptions
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The old mare would nicker when she heard the feed bucket.
- He could hear the horses nickering in the stable at dusk.
American English
- The stallion nickered softly to its mate across the field.
- In the historical novel, the cavalry horses nickered before the charge.
adverb
British English
- No adverbial form exists.
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not used adverbially.
- No established form.
adjective
British English
- The nicker sound echoed in the valley.
- No adjectival use is standard.
American English
- No standard adjectival use exists.
- Poetic: 'a nicker call' is possible but rare.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The horse makes a sound called a nicker.
- We could hear the horses nickering in the distance.
- The mare nickered softly to her newborn foal.
- In the moonlit stable, only the occasional nicker broke the silence, a gentle equine language understood by the night watchman.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'nick' + 'er' - a horse making a quick nick-like sound
Conceptual Metaphor
ANIMAL VOCALIZATION IS COMMUNICATION
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'никель' (nickel).
- Not related to 'никогда' (never).
- As noun, unrelated to Russian monetary terms.
Common Mistakes
- Using as general animal sound (only for horses)
- Using noun form in American contexts
Practice
Quiz
In British slang, 'a nicker' refers to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's quite rare. The verb appears mainly in literary or rural contexts, and the noun (UK slang for pound) is dated.
No, it specifically refers to the soft neighing sound of horses. Other animals have different vocalization terms.
Most Americans would only recognize it as an archaic/literary term for a horse's sound. The UK money meaning is largely unknown.
'Nicker' typically describes a softer, lower, more affectionate sound horses make, often to companions. 'Neigh' is louder, more attention-seeking.