Literary notes about slick (AI summary)
The word "slick" in literature serves as a multifaceted descriptor, its meaning shifting fluidly from the physical to the metaphorical. It frequently evokes a sense of smoothness or polished appearance, as when surfaces glisten like “slick as a whistle” ([1]) or are described as “slick-looking” ([2], [3], [4]). At the same time, it can characterize a person’s shrewdness or deftness, suggesting both charm and underhanded cleverness—as in a remark made by a resourceful character who considers himself “slick” ([5], [6], [7]). In some passages, it even becomes a metonym for an individual’s persona, resonating with a legacy of cunning wit ([8], [9]). Whether painting a physical texture or an intellectual edge, "slick" enriches narratives by bringing vibrancy and nuance to characters and settings alike.
- "Oh, well, ye know, it's slick as a whistle an' all that, but I ain't uster havin' it laid on so thick.
— from The Tangled Threads by Eleanor H. (Eleanor Hodgman) Porter - "Orful slick-lookin', ain't she?" confided Joe to Eben; while sinful Sam shrieked out: "Land o' Goshen!
— from Good Cheer Stories Every Child Should Know - Yes, there they were, very clean-shaven, clean-shirted, slick-looking.
— from One Basket by Edna Ferber - The chairs and couches were carved, gilt, and covered with rich damask, so smooth and slick, that they looked as if they had never been sat upon.
— from The Expedition of Humphry Clinker by T. Smollett - “‘They shan’t have me though,’ said Slick to himself.
— from Travels and Adventures of Monsieur Violet by Frederick Marryat - They called ’m ‘The Rat.’ Slick as silk.
— from Martin Eden by Jack London - “You bet; that's a slick stunt; do that, Dave!” cheered Chet Dashaway.
— from Main Street by Sinclair Lewis - His mother was a sister of Judge Haliburton (Sam Slick).
— from The Waterloo Roll Call by Charles Dalton - Slick was a very interesting man, and he has his place in fiction.
— from The ArenaVolume 4, No. 23, October, 1891 by Various
