ricky: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1The name is neutral; the slang is informal/colloquial.
Quick answer
What does “ricky” mean?
A masculine given name, a diminutive form of Richard, meaning 'powerful ruler' or 'brave ruler'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A masculine given name, a diminutive form of Richard, meaning 'powerful ruler' or 'brave ruler'.
Used informally as a slang term meaning 'precarious', 'unstable', 'risky', or 'skittish', especially in British English. Can also refer to a makeshift vehicle or a rickety structure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The slang meaning ('precarious', 'skittish', 'makeshift vehicle') is far more established and common in British English than in American English.
Connotations
UK: Often humorous or critical, describing a shaky plan or object. US: Primarily a proper name; slang usage would likely be misinterpreted or sound archaic.
Frequency
High frequency as a name in both varieties. Very low frequency as slang in the US; moderate in informal UK contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “ricky” in a Sentence
That [NOUN] is looking a bit ricky.I wouldn't ride in that [ADJ] ricky.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ricky” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Don't climb that ladder, it's a bit ricky.
- We took a ricky old van to the festival.
American English
- (Rare) That setup looks kinda ricky, don't you think?
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused, except potentially in very informal, figurative descriptions of a risky venture ('The financial projections look a bit ricky').
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used in informal British conversation to describe objects or situations that seem likely to fail or break.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ricky”
- Using 'ricky' as slang in formal writing.
- Using the slang meaning with American audiences who may not understand it.
- Capitalizing it when used as slang (should be lowercase: 'a ricky old bike').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. As a name, it is a proper noun. The slang/adjectival usage is informal and colloquial, primarily in British English.
It originates from the adjective 'rickety', meaning shaky or unstable, likely through rhyming slang or simple abbreviation.
No, 'ricky' is not standardly used as a verb in contemporary English.
Use it cautiously. It is safest as a proper name. For the slang meaning, understand it in context when encountered in British media or conversation, but avoid using it actively unless you are very comfortable with informal British registers.
A masculine given name, a diminutive form of Richard, meaning 'powerful ruler' or 'brave ruler'.
Ricky: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɪki/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɪki/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On a ricky (journey)”
- “A bit ricky”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Ricky' the character who is always getting into shaky, precarious situations.
Conceptual Metaphor
INSTABILITY IS A PERSON (RICKY)
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'ricky' commonly used as slang meaning 'unstable'?