thickie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “thickie” mean?
A mildly derogatory term for a person perceived as unintelligent or slow-witted.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mildly derogatory term for a person perceived as unintelligent or slow-witted.
Can also refer to someone who is being foolish or making a silly mistake in a specific situation, often used in a teasing or affectionate manner among friends.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is almost exclusively British. American English speakers would typically use 'dummy', 'dumb-dumb', or 'airhead' in similar contexts.
Connotations
In British usage, it often carries a tone of affectionate teasing or mild exasperation. In American contexts, if used, it would likely be misunderstood or sound like an affectation.
Frequency
Common in UK informal speech, especially among older generations and in certain regions; extremely rare to non-existent in US English.
Grammar
How to Use “thickie” in a Sentence
[Subject] is a [thickie].Don't be such a [thickie]!You [thickie], you've done it again.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly inappropriate and unprofessional.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used in informal conversation among friends or family, often humorously.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thickie”
- Spelling it as 'thicky'.
- Using it in formal writing.
- Assuming it is a severe insult; it is often mild and jocular.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is generally considered mild, informal, and often used in a humorous or affectionate way. It is far less offensive than terms like 'idiot' or 'moron'.
It is very uncommon. An American speaker would likely be understood but the term would sound distinctly British. Americans might use 'dummy', 'goofball', or 'knucklehead' instead.
'Thick' is the adjective meaning unintelligent. 'Thickie' is the noun form referring to the person who is thick. You would call someone 'a thickie', but you might say they are 'a bit thick'.
The standard spelling is 'thickie'. The '-ie' suffix is common in British informal nouns (e.g., 'newbie', 'softie').
A mildly derogatory term for a person perceived as unintelligent or slow-witted.
Thickie is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Thickie: in British English it is pronounced /ˈθɪki/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈθɪki/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Thick as two short planks (a stronger, related insult)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'thick' as in 'thick-headed' (not smart) + the '-ie' ending like in 'cutie' but for a not-so-cute reason.
Conceptual Metaphor
STUPIDITY IS DENSITY / LACK OF MENTAL PERMEABILITY (a 'thick' skull prevents ideas from getting in).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'thickie' be MOST appropriately used?