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Synonyms

dick

1 American  
[dik] / dɪk /

noun

Slang.

  1. Older Use. a detective.

  2. Vulgar. penis.

  3. Vulgar. a stupid, mean, or contemptible person, especially a man.

Dick 2 American  
[dik] / dɪk /

noun

  1. George Frederick, 1881–1967, U.S. internist.

  2. Philip K., 1928–82, U.S. science-fiction writer.

  3. a male given name, form of Richard.

dick 1 British  
/ dɪk /

noun

  1. a slang word for detective

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
dick 2 British  
/ dɪk /

noun

  1. a fellow or person

  2. a person who is obnoxiously opinionated or self-satisfied; know-all

  3. a slang word for penis

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Dick Scientific  
/ dĭk /

  1. American medical researcher who collaborated with his wife, Gladys Henry Dick (1881–1963), to isolate the bacterium that causes scarlet fever. They developed a serum for the disease in 1923.

Dick Idioms  

  1. see every tom, dick, and harry.

Usage

The third sense of this word was formerly considered to be taboo and it was labelled as such in previous editions of Collins English Dictionary . However, it has now become acceptable in speech, although some older or more conservative people may object to its use

Etymology

Origin of dick

First recorded in 1545–55; generic use of the name Dick ( def. )

Explanation

Dick is a vulgar slang word for a penis. It's also an insulting thing to call someone you don't like, especially a boy or man. Much like ass, this word for a below-the-belt body part is very commonly used as an insult meaning pretty much "jerk" or "idiot." Only males have dicks, and this insult is usually used toward a guy who is "acting like a dick." Lots of people find this word offensive, especially parents, teachers, and other adults. If you have to discuss a dick, you're better off saying penis or using a slang word that's sillier and less offensive, like johnson.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Lennon was as friendly as could be, not flippant or jokey or clever dick, treating his young interviewer's questions with respect, which of course makes his answers interesting."

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2022

My biggest beef with Forgotten Land is that, as a heretofore non-Kirby player, Kirby kinda comes off as a dick.

From The Verge • Mar. 23, 2022

The ACM and dick clark productions announced on Tuesday that the show will return on April 18 and will air on CBS from the Grand Ole Opry House, the Ryman Auditorium and the Bluebird Cafe.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 16, 2021

A whole new department focusing on COVID-19 precautions and regulations has been added by dick clark productions.

From Washington Times • Sep. 14, 2020

In literature and in the popular imagination, the all-seeing private eye—the gumshoe, the cinder dick, the sleuthhound, the shadow—displaced the crusading sheriff as the archetype of rough justice.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.