dicky

American  

[dik-ee] / ˈdɪk i /

noun

plural

dickies

1. a variant of dickey.

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dicky ¹ British  

/ ˈdɪkɪ /

noun

1. a woman's false blouse front, worn to fill in the neck of a jacket or low-cut dress

2. a man's false shirt front, esp one worn with full evening dress

3. Also called: dicky bow.  a bow tie

4. an informal name for a donkey, esp a male one

5. Also called: dickybird.   dickeybird.  a child's word for a bird, esp a small one

6. US and Canadian name: rumble seat.  a folding outside seat at the rear of some early cars

7. Also called: boot.  an enclosed compartment of a car for holding luggage, etc, usually at the rear

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dicky ² British  

/ ˈdɪkɪ /

adjective

1. informal in bad condition; shaky, unsteady, or unreliable

   I feel a bit dicky today

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Etymology

Origin of dicky¹

C18 (in the senses: donkey, shirt front): from Dickey, diminutive of Dick (name); the relationship of the various senses is obscure

Origin of dicky²

C18: perhaps from the name Dick in the phrase as queer as Dick's hatband feeling ill

Example Sentences

He is supremely fit and has been reinvigorated by his shiny new left knee, though he has recently been kiboshed by a dicky hamstring.

From BBC • Sep. 3, 2024

The Plummer brothers - Tremaine, Tristan and Twaine - opted for a mix of cravats and dicky bows to pimp up their navy blue suits.

From BBC • Oct. 13, 2022

Tim Roache, the GMB's general secretary, said the firm had conducted a "PR blitz ... without mentioning a dicky bird about cutting staff benefits".

From BBC • Oct. 4, 2018

Not sure if that will make a difference to a man with a dicky tummy.

From The Guardian • Oct. 22, 2015

Consequently, there was a great surprise waiting for Johnny when he sauntered home to get a fresh dicky and collar for his evening’s job.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith

Related Words

• choker