sleeky

sleeky

A sleeky black cat stretches in the sun.

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Smooth and glossy in appearance: "sleeky" describes a surface that is smooth, shiny, and often well-groomed, like hair or fur.
    • Fat and well-fed: In reference to animals, especially birds, "sleeky" can mean plump and healthy-looking due to good nutrition.
    • Smooth and ingratiating in manner: In American English, "sleeky" can describe speech or behaviour that is overly polite or flattering in a way that seems insincere.
Usage Examples

  • Smooth and glossy:

    • The cat's fur was sleeky after being brushed. (The cat's hair looked smooth and shiny.)
    • She applied oil to make her hair sleeky for the party. (She made her hair glossy and smooth.)

  • Fat and well-fed:

    • The farmer's chickens were sleeky and healthy. (The chickens were plump and well-nourished.)

  • Smooth and ingratiating:

    • His sleeky compliments made her suspicious. (His overly smooth and flattering words seemed dishonest.)
Advanced Usage

  • "a sleeky surface": a surface that is polished or slippery.

    • The newly waxed floor was sleeky and dangerous to walk on. (The floor was very smooth and slippery.)

  • "sleeky speech": talk that is fluent but may lack sincerity.

    • The salesman's sleeky pitch convinced no one. (The salesman's smooth but insincere talk was ineffective.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Sleek (adj): the more common form, meaning smooth, glossy, and well-groomed.

    • The sleek car gleamed in the sunlight. (The car had a shiny, smooth appearance.)

  • Sleekness (n): the quality of being smooth and glossy.

    • The sleekness of the fabric made it feel luxurious. (The smoothness and shine of the fabric gave it a high-quality feel.)
Synonyms
  • Glossy: shiny and smooth.
  • Smooth: having an even surface without roughness.
  • Slick: smooth and slippery, often used for surfaces or speech.
  • Plump: full and rounded, used for animals or people.
Related Idioms

  • Sleek as a seal: very smooth and shiny, like the fur of a seal.

    • After conditioning, her hair was sleek as a seal. (Her hair was exceptionally smooth and glossy.)

  • Sleek and sly: describing someone who is smooth in manner but cunning.

    • The sleek and sly politician avoided answering directly. (The politician was smooth but dishonest.)