slicken: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareLiterary/Regional
Quick answer
What does “slicken” mean?
To make or become smooth and glossy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make or become smooth and glossy.
To polish or refine something, often metaphorically, to give it a sleek or sophisticated appearance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is marginally more attested in historical British English, particularly in Northern English and Scottish dialects. In contemporary American English, it is virtually obsolete.
Connotations
In British usage, it may retain a faint regional character. In both varieties, it is perceived as archaic or highly literary.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, unlikely to be encountered outside of specific literary or dialectal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “slicken” in a Sentence
[NP] slicken [NP] (transitive)[NP] slicken (intransitive)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “slicken” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He tried to slicken down his unruly hair with too much gel.
- The rain began to slicken the cobblestones of the old Edinburgh street.
American English
- The politician's aides worked to slicken his public image before the debate.
- The morning dew will slicken the garden path.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- The slicken surface of the pond reflected the moon. (archaic/poetic)
American English
- (No contemporary adjectival use. Archaic use would mirror British.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare, potentially in historical linguistics or literary analysis.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “slicken”
- Using it as a common synonym for 'smooth'.
- Confusing it with the adjective 'slick'.
- Misspelling as 'slickin'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare and largely archaic or literary word. Learners are unlikely to need it for active use.
'Slick' is primarily an adjective meaning 'smooth' or 'efficiently clever'. 'Slicken' is a verb meaning 'to make slick or smooth'.
Historically and in some dialects, yes, but in modern standard English it is almost exclusively a verb. The adjective 'slick' is used instead.
For recognition only. It is useful for understanding older texts or specific dialects, but not for active communication in modern English.
To make or become smooth and glossy.
Slicken is usually literary/regional in register.
Slicken: in British English it is pronounced /ˈslɪkən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈslɪkən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “slicken one's tongue”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'slick' + 'en' (to make). To SLICKEN is to MAKE something SLICK.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLISHING IS REFINING (often superficially).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'slicken' most likely to be found?