ricky-tick

[ rik-ee-tik, -tik ]

noun
  1. the mechanical, repetitive style and beat of ragtime or early swing music.

adjectiveAlso rick·y-tick·y [rik-ee-tik-ee, -tik-ee]. /ˈrɪk iˈtɪk i, -ˌtɪk i/.
  1. of or characteristic of such sound or beat.

  2. corny or outmoded.

Origin of ricky-tick

1
First recorded in 1935–40; apparently imitative

Words Nearby ricky-tick

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024