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dick

[ dik ]
/ dɪk /
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noun Slang.
Older Use. a detective.
Vulgar. penis.
Vulgar. a stupid, mean, or contemptible person, especially a man.
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Origin of dick

First recorded in 1545–55; generic use of the name Dick

Other definitions for dick (2 of 2)

Dick
[ dik ]
/ dɪk /

noun
George Frederick, 1881–1967, U.S. internist.
Philip K., 1928–82, U.S. science-fiction writer.
a male given name, form of Richard.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use dick in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for dick (1 of 2)

dick1
/ (dɪk) /

noun
mainly US a slang word for detective

Word Origin for dick

C20: by shortening and alteration from detective; probably influenced by proper name Dick

British Dictionary definitions for dick (2 of 2)

dick2
/ (dɪk) /

noun slang
British a fellow or person
clever dick British a person who is obnoxiously opinionated or self-satisfied; know-all
a slang word for penis

Word Origin for dick

C16 (meaning: fellow): from the name Dick, familiar form of Richard, applied generally (like Jack) to any fellow, lad, etc; hence, C19: penis

usage for dick

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
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

Scientific definitions for dick

Dick
[ dĭk ]
George Frederick 1881-1967

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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Other Idioms and Phrases with dick

Dick

see every tom, dick, and harry.

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