kicker

[kik-er]

noun

1. a person or thing that kicks.

2. Informal.

   1. a disadvantageous point or circumstance, usually concealed or unnoticed.

      The tickets are free, but the kicker is that you have to wait in line for hours to get them.

   2. a surprising change or turn of events.

      The kicker was that their friends knew it before they did.

3. something extra, as an additional cost or gain; an added expense or financial incentive.

4. Draw Poker.,  a card, usually an ace or face card, held with a pair or three of a kind in the hope of drawing a matching card.

5. (in concrete construction) a low plinth at the base of a column.

6. Slang.,  kickers, shoes, especially leisure shoes.

7. Nautical.

   1. a small, low-powered outboard motor.

   2. an auxiliary engine on a sailing vessel, river steamer, etc.

8. Slang.,  the alcoholic liquor in a mixed drink.

9. Also called eyebrow, highline, overline, teaser. Printing, Journalism.,  a short line of copy set in a distinctive type above a headline and intended to call attention to it.

10. Metallurgy.,  a charge of high-carbon iron that produces a vigorous boil when charged into an open-hearth furnace containing slag and molten metal of lower carbon content.

11. Also called kicker light. Photography.,  a light source coming from the back and side of a subject and producing a highlight.

kicker

/ ˈkɪkə /

noun

1. a person or thing that kicks

2. sport a player in a rugby or occasionally a soccer team whose task is to attempt to kick conversions, penalty goals, etc

3. slang,  a hidden and disadvantageous factor, such as a clause in a contract

4. informal,  any light outboard motor for propelling a boat

5. poker the highest unpaired card in a hand, used to decide the outcome of an otherwise tied round

Word History and Origins

Origin of kicker¹

First recorded in 1565–75; kick + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Former Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker will attend a tryout forthe New Orleans Saints on Tuesday, the team has confirmed with The Times.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In corresponding moves, the Rams signed kicker Harrison Mevis to the active roster, claimed safety Chris Smith II off waivers from the Las Vegas Raiders and signed cornerback Alex Johnson to the practice squad.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A long kickoff return brought Chicago into field goal range, and a few handoffs later, kicker Cairo Santos was lining up for a 48-yard field goal.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He’s also the kicker, punter and return man for kickoffs and punts.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Coach Sean McVay said the recently signed kicker out of Missouri has the job Sunday, but kicker Joshua is “not going anywhere” as he evaluates situation.

Read more on Los Angeles Times