kicker

American  

[kik-er] / ˈkɪk ər /

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.

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kicker British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of kicker

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

Example Sentences

Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Little was called upon just before half-time to convert a field goal from 68 yards out - two yards further than the NFL record set by Justin Tucker in 2021.

From BBC

The specialized nature of kickers can place them on the periphery of team bonding, but Loop’s teammates and coaches were supportive in the aftermath of the season-ending loss.

From Los Angeles Times

He might also have been a bit skeptical of his kicking game after kicker Michael Badgley had an extra point blocked earlier in the period.

From The Wall Street Journal

The “kicker” this year was OPEC+’s decision to begin lifting production quotas sooner and faster than expected, said Babin.

From MarketWatch

But for investors who already own it or want a diversified industrial with a hidden water kicker, your point stands.

From MarketWatch