prick
C1Informal, often coarse/vulgar, offensive (when referring to a person). Medical/technical use is neutral.
Definition
Meaning
To make a small hole or sharp sensation with a pointed object.
As a noun: a small sharp sensation or a pointed object; also, a vulgar slang for a penis or an offensive term for a foolish or contemptible person. As a verb: to cause a slight stinging pain or to pierce with a sharp point.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Highly polysemous and register-sensitive. The neutral, physical meaning exists alongside strong taboo meanings. The metaphorical extension from physical piercing to emotional/psychological hurt is common. Context is critical to interpret intended meaning.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The noun as a term of contempt is used in both varieties. The verb for 'to make a hole' is slightly more common in UK gardening/sewing contexts. 'Prick up your ears' (to listen attentively) is idiomatic in both.
Connotations
In both, the primary taboo connotation (penis/contemptible person) is dominant in informal contexts, often overriding the neutral meaning. The neutral meaning is more readily accessible in technical (e.g., medical, horticultural) contexts.
Frequency
Frequency of neutral use is low in everyday conversation due to strong taboo association. It appears more in written technical instructions or historical/literary texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[VN] Prick the potatoes with a fork before baking.[V] The thorns pricked my fingers.[VN-ADJ] He pricked his finger sore.[VN prep] She pricked the pattern onto the leather.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “prick up your ears”
- “prick the bubble (of something)”
- “kick against the pricks”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Avoided due to offensive connotations. 'Prick the bubble of speculation' might be used metaphorically in economics.
Academic
Used in historical texts, biology (plant thorns), medicine (injection). Requires clear contextualisation to avoid misunderstanding.
Everyday
Highly risky in general use due to offensiveness. Neutral use possible in specific tasks ('prick the sausages').
Technical
Used in sewing, horticulture, medicine (e.g., 'finger-prick test'). Register is neutral and precise.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- She felt a sharp prick as the nurse took the blood sample.
- He's an absolute prick for saying that. (vulgar)
American English
- The prick of the needle was over quickly.
- Don't be such a prick about the rules. (vulgar)
verb
British English
- Prick the base of the pastry case to prevent it rising.
- The brambles pricked at my trousers as I walked through the wood.
American English
- Prick the potatoes all over before microwaving them.
- His rude comment pricked her pride.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- (No standard adjectival form in use. 'Prickly' is the related adjective.)
American English
- (No standard adjectival form in use. 'Prickly' is the related adjective.)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Be careful of the cactus, its spines can prick you.
- I felt a small prick when the doctor gave me the injection.
- The journalist's questions began to prick the CEO's carefully constructed façade.
- He pricked the balloon with a pin, and it burst with a loud bang.
- The documentary pricked the national conscience about homelessness.
- She tried to ignore the pricking doubts at the back of her mind.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a **PRINCE** (sounds like 'prick') who is so annoying he feels like a sharp poke in your side.
Conceptual Metaphor
PHYSICAL PENETRATION IS EMOTIONAL/INTELLECTUAL STIMULATION ('prick your conscience', 'prick up your ears').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводить напрямую как "колоть" в разговорной речи без учёта контекста — может быть понято вульгарно.
- Сленговое значение "мудак" является основным в неформальном общении, а не нейтральное "укол".
- В медицинском контексте ('prick your finger') допустимо, но лучше использовать 'puncture' или 'lance' для ясности.
Common Mistakes
- Using it casually to mean 'person' (highly offensive).
- Overusing the neutral meaning in informal spoken English where synonyms like 'poke' or 'jab' are safer.
- Translating the idiom 'prick up your ears' literally.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'prick' LEAST likely to cause offence?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but it is high-risk. It has legitimate, neutral meanings in technical contexts (medicine, sewing, gardening). However, in general informal conversation, the taboo meanings are so dominant that the neutral use can cause confusion or offence.
In everyday contexts, 'poke', 'jab', or 'puncture' are much safer. For medical procedures, 'lance' or 'perform a pinprick' is more precise and avoids ambiguity.
It means to suddenly start listening very carefully because you have heard something interesting. It originates from animals (like dogs or horses) raising their ears when alert.
Extremely rarely and only with great caution. It is acceptable in specific technical writing (e.g., 'a pinprick test'). In most academic, business, or literary prose, it is avoided due to its vulgar connotations and potential to distract the reader.