sicko: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium (common in informal contexts, especially media/pop culture)Informal, Slang, Often pejorative or humorous
Quick answer
What does “sicko” mean?
A person regarded as mentally disturbed or perverted, especially one who derives pleasure from violence, cruelty, or suffering.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person regarded as mentally disturbed or perverted, especially one who derives pleasure from violence, cruelty, or suffering.
Informally used to describe someone with extreme, bizarre, or morbid tastes or interests, often in a hyperbolic or humorous way. Can also be used as an intensifier in slang (e.g., 'That's sicko mode').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originated and is more prevalent in American English. In British English, it is understood but less commonly used; alternatives like 'weirdo', 'pervert', or 'psycho' might be more frequent.
Connotations
In both varieties, the primary connotation is negative, implying dangerous deviancy. The newer, more playful slang use (e.g., 'sicko mode') is almost exclusively American.
Frequency
Significantly more frequent in American English, particularly due to media and internet culture.
Grammar
How to Use “sicko” in a Sentence
[determiner] + sickosicko + who-clauseverb + like a sickoVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sicko” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A - not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A - not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A - not standardly used as an adjective. 'Sick' is used instead.
American English
- That movie was totally sicko. (very informal/slang)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Not used in formal writing; might appear in sociological or media studies discussing slang or pejoratives.
Everyday
Used in informal conversation, often to express disgust or shock at someone's actions.
Technical
Not a clinical or technical term in psychology or medicine.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sicko”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sicko”
- Using it in formal contexts. Confusing the pejorative meaning with the slang term of admiration (e.g., 'That skateboard trick was sicko!' is very niche and potentially confusing).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is inherently pejorative and insulting when applied to a person, as it labels them as morally corrupt or mentally disturbed. Its humorous or hyperbolic use is highly context-dependent.
In very specific, youth-oriented slang (e.g., 'sicko mode'), it can denote something impressively extreme or intense. However, this is not the standard meaning and can easily be misunderstood as an insult.
'Psycho' suggests uncontrollable, violent insanity. 'Sicko' emphasises perversion and deriving pleasure from things society finds repulsive. Their meanings overlap, but 'sicko' often has a stronger connotation of twisted desire.
No, it is purely a slang, colloquial term. It has no diagnostic value and is considered unprofessional in medical or legal contexts.
A person regarded as mentally disturbed or perverted, especially one who derives pleasure from violence, cruelty, or suffering.
Sicko: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪk.əʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪk.oʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “«Sicko mode» (slang: a state of extreme focus or peak performance, from hip-hop).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'sick' (ill) + '-o' (a typical ending for slang nicknames, like 'weirdo'). A 'sicko' is someone with a sick (disturbed) mind.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMMORALITY/DEVIANCY IS SICKNESS. The mind/character of the person is metaphorically diseased.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'sicko' LEAST appropriate?