How Do You Spell THICK?

Pronunciation: [θˈɪk] (IPA)

The word "thick" is spelled with the combination of two consonants, "th" and "ck". The IPA phonetic transcription of "th" is /θ/ which represents a voiceless dental fricative sound. The IPA transcription of "ck" is /k/ which is a voiceless velar plosive sound. When combined, these sounds create the proper spelling of "thick". This spelling represents the pronunciation correctly and distinguishes it from similar-sounding words such as "tick" or "lick".

THICK Meaning and Definition

  1. Thick is an adjective that can have multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Generally, it refers to something that has a great width, depth, or density.

    When describing a physical object, thick implies that it has a sizable measure of thickness or breadth. For example, a thick book would have many pages, while a thick slice of bread would have a greater width than a regular one. In this sense, thick denotes a characteristic of being large or bulky in relation to its counterparts.

    In terms of liquids or substances, thick refers to their viscosity or consistency. A thick sauce or pudding would have a dense and substantial texture, whereas a watery consistency would be considered thin. In this sense, thick signifies a quality of being concentrated or substantial.

    Moreover, thick can describe the density or clustering of objects or materials. For instance, in a thick forest, the trees are closely packed together, resulting in a dense growth of vegetation. Thick also characterizes an abundant or intense amount of something.

    In a figurative sense, thick can be used to describe someone who lacks intelligence, understanding, or perceptiveness. When used to describe a person's behavior, it suggests a degree of insensitivity or a tendency to overlook things that are obvious or subtle.

    Overall, the term thick encompasses various meanings, such as physical dimensions, concentration, density, abundance, and cognitive qualities, each dependent on the specific context in which it is used.

  2. • Not thin; dense; close; compact, muddy; not clear; having more depth from side to side, or from sufrace to surfacem than in common use; deep, as five inches thick; crowded; followin each other in quick succession; dark; obscure; dull; stupid; intimate or familiar, as he is very thick with him.
    • The thickest or most crowded part.
    • Fast; frequently; to a greater depth than usual.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for THICK *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for THICK

Etymology of THICK

The word "thick" can be traced back to the Old English word "thicce", which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "thekkuz". This Proto-Germanic word had various related forms in other Germanic languages, such as the Old High German "dicchi" and the Old Norse "þykkr". Ultimately, the origin of the word can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*teg", which meant "to cover" or "to conceal". The sense of thickness, density, or being closely set together developed from the idea of something being covered or concealed by closely packed layers.

Idioms with the word THICK

  • give someone a thick ear The idiom "give someone a thick ear" means to physically hit or slap someone as a form of punishment or reprimand. It implies a forceful action taken in response to someone's wrongdoing or misbehavior.
  • in the thick of it The idiom "in the thick of it" means to be fully involved or deeply immersed in a difficult, chaotic, or challenging situation. It can refer to being in the midst of a demanding or intense period of work, activity, or conflict. It implies being surrounded by or actively dealing with a challenging circumstance, often with little time or opportunity for respite.
  • thick as a short plank The idiom "thick as a short plank" is used to describe someone who is extremely unintelligent or lacking in common sense. It implies that the person is as dense as a short, thick plank of wood, suggesting a complete lack of intelligence or understanding.
  • lay it on with a trowel, at lay it on a bit thick The idiom "lay it on with a trowel" is typically used to describe a situation where someone is exaggerating or over-emphasizing something, often in an excessive or insincere manner. It suggests that the person is adding unnecessary layers of praise, flattery, or dramatization. A similar meaning is conveyed by the variation "lay it on a bit thick." Overall, both expressions imply the idea of excessive embellishment or amplification to make a point, usually in a way that is not entirely genuine or honest.
  • hammer (something) into (one's) thick skull The idiom "hammer (something) into (one's) thick skull" means to repeatedly and forcefully emphasize or teach something to someone who is resistant or slow to understand. It implies that the person being addressed has a dense or stubborn mindset, requiring significant effort to comprehend or accept something.
  • (as) thick as a brick The idiom "(as) thick as a brick" is a colloquial expression used to describe someone who is very unintelligent or has a severe lack of common sense. It implies that the person is extremely dense or slow-witted, similar to a thick, heavy brick.
  • (as) thick as two short planks The idiom "(as) thick as two short planks" is used to describe someone who is extremely unintelligent or lacking in common sense. It suggests that the person is as thick or dense as two short planks of wood, implying a complete lack of intelligence or mental agility.
  • get through thick skull The idiom "get through thick skull" means to finally make someone understand something, especially when they have been resistant or slow to comprehend. It implies a need to be patient and persistent in order to convey a message to someone who is being stubborn or difficult to convince.
  • in the thick of sth The idiom "in the thick of something" refers to being fully immersed or actively involved in a particular situation, event, task, or experience. It implies being in the heart of the action or deeply involved in a challenging or demanding situation.
  • be in the thick of sth The idiom "be in the thick of sth" refers to being fully involved or deeply immersed in a particular situation or activity, especially one that is intense, busy, or challenging. It suggests being at the center or core of something significant and actively experiencing or dealing with its effects or demands.
  • lay something on thick (or with a trowel) To "lay something on thick" (or "with a trowel") is an idiomatic expression that means to exaggerate or exaggerate praise, flattery, or compliments in an excessive, insincere, or overdone manner. It refers to the act of adding an excessive amount of something, as if applying an extra layer with a trowel. It implies that the person is being overly enthusiastic or insincere in their expressions of admiration or compliments.
  • be (as) thick as shit The idiom "be (as) thick as shit" is an informal and offensive expression used to describe someone who is extremely unintelligent, lacking common sense, or acting foolishly. It implies that the person in question does not possess the mental capacity or understanding that is expected in a given situation.
  • (as) thick as a short plank The idiom "(as) thick as a short plank" is used to describe someone who is extremely unintelligent or lacking in intelligence. It suggests that the person's mental capacity is equivalent to that of a thick, or dense, object such as a short plank of wood.
  • lay something on thick The idiom "lay something on thick" means to exaggerate or overstate something, typically in a forceful or exaggerated manner, in order to make a strong impression or influence someone's perception. It refers to using excessive praise, flattery, emotions, or intensity when communicating or portraying something.
  • (as) thick as a shit The phrase "(as) thick as a shit" is an idiom that means someone is extremely unintelligent, foolish, or lacking common sense. It suggests that the person is dense or slow-witted.
  • get a thick ear The idiom "get a thick ear" means to receive a physical punishment or a strong blow to the head or ear, typically as a result of one's misbehavior or provocation. It can also refer to experiencing a harsh response or reprimand for one's actions or words.
  • spread it on thick The idiom "spread it on thick" means to exaggerate, embellish, or overstate something in order to make it sound more impressive or persuasive. It is often used when someone is trying to flatter or impress someone else by presenting information in an exaggerated manner.
  • come thick and fast The idiom "come thick and fast" means that things or events are happening rapidly, one after another, without any pause or break. It often implies a challenging or overwhelming situation where a continuous stream of something is occurring at a rapid pace.
  • be (as) thick as a short plank The idiom "be (as) thick as a short plank" is used to describe someone as being exceptionally unintelligent or lacking in common sense. It implies that the person is as dumb as a piece of wood that is shorter and thicker than normal planks.
  • thick and fast The idiom "thick and fast" means to occur or happen at a rapid or frequent pace without interruption; to come in great numbers or with intense speed.
  • give somebody/get a thick ear The idiom "give somebody/get a thick ear" means to physically hit or slap someone, typically on the side of their head, as a form of punishment or retribution for their actions or behavior. It signifies the act of delivering a strong blow to someone's ear or head as a response to their misconduct or to teach them a lesson.
  • through thick and thin The idiom "through thick and thin" means to remain loyal, faithful, and supportive regardless of any difficulties, challenges, or hardships that may arise. It implies standing by someone or something in good times and bad times, showing unwavering commitment and perseverance.
  • (have) a thick skin The idiom "(have) a thick skin" generally refers to the ability to withstand criticism, insults, or negative comments without getting upset or offended. It suggests being emotionally resilient and not letting external judgments or opinions affect one's self-confidence or self-esteem.
  • be (as) thick as thieves The idiom "be (as) thick as thieves" means to have a very close and strong friendship or partnership, often implying that the individuals involved are involved in secretive or suspicious activities together.
  • give a thick ear To "give a thick ear" is an idiomatic expression meaning to physically hit or strike someone on the side of their head. It implies delivering a blow forcefully or with a significant amount of power, often as a form of punishment or as an expression of anger or frustration. It can also be used figuratively to represent any action or consequence given to someone as a result of their behavior or actions.
  • lay it on a bit thick The expression "lay it on a bit thick" means to exaggerate, overstate, or intensify something, especially in terms of emotions, compliments, flattery, or dramatic performances. It implies that someone is being overly dramatic, extravagant, or excessive in their words or actions, often for the purpose of impressing others or gaining attention.
  • thick as thieves The idiom "thick as thieves" means to be very close friends or allies, often involved in an activity or scheme together, and sharing a deep trust and understanding. It indicates a strong bond and loyalty between two or more individuals.
  • a bit thick The idiom "a bit thick" is used to describe someone who is considered dense, slow-witted, or lacking intelligence. It implies that the person is not very smart or understanding.
  • be in the thick of it The idiom "be in the thick of it" means to be fully immersed or deeply involved in a difficult or chaotic situation. It suggests being at the center or core of a challenging or intense experience.
  • a full, good, thick, etc. head of hair The idiom "a full, good, thick, etc. head of hair" typically refers to someone who has a significant amount of hair on their scalp, often used to describe someone with a luxurious or impressive head of hair. It implies that the person has a dense and healthy mane, suggesting the absence of baldness or thinning.
  • lay it on thick The idiom "lay it on thick" means to exaggerate or overstate something, especially emotions or compliments, in a way that can be seen as insincere or excessive.
  • pour it on thick The idiom "pour it on thick" means to exaggerate or overemphasize something in order to impress or convince someone, often by using excessive praise or flattery. It is commonly used when someone is excessively flattering or dramatizing a situation to gain favor or manipulate others.
  • get sth through sm's thick skull The idiom "get something through someone's thick skull" means to manage or succeed in making someone understand or grasp something, especially when they are being stubborn, resistant, or slow to comprehend. It implies that the person being spoken to is thick-headed or slow-witted.
  • a thick head The idiom "a thick head" refers to someone who is stubborn, slow to understand or has difficulty grasping new ideas or concepts. It implies a lack of intelligence or an unwillingness to listen or consider different perspectives.
  • be in the thick of things The idiom "be in the thick of things" means to be actively involved or deeply immersed in a particular situation or event. It refers to being at the center or core of an ongoing action or situation, often implying being directly involved or surrounded by the key people, activities, or responsibilities related to that situation.
  • give sb a thick ear The idiom "give someone a thick ear" is an informal expression that means to physically strike or hit someone forcefully in the ear as a form of punishment or reprimand.
  • be (as) thick as a brick The idiom "be (as) thick as a brick" means to be extremely stupid or lacking intelligence. It describes someone who is not very smart or has a low level of intellect.
  • have a thick (or thin) skin The idiom "have a thick (or thin) skin" means to either be resistant to criticism and unaffected by insults or to be sensitive to criticism and easily hurt by insults. Having a thick skin refers to having the ability to handle and accept negative comments or feedback without getting emotionally upset or offended. On the other hand, having a thin skin implies being easily hurt, offended, or affected by criticism, even if it may be mild or constructive.
  • thick on the ground The idiom "thick on the ground" refers to a situation where something or someone is abundant or plentiful in a given area or context. It implies a large number or density of things or people in close proximity.
  • have a thick skull The idiom "have a thick skull" refers to someone who is difficult to understand, persuade, or teach due to their inability to grasp or comprehend information easily. It implies that the person is resistant to new ideas or suggestions, often being stubborn or obstinate in their views.
  • get sth into your (thick) skull The idiom "get something into your (thick) skull" means to understand or comprehend something, often after repeated attempts to explain it. The phrase implies that the person being addressed is being stubborn, slow, or resistant to accepting the information or idea. The optional inclusion of "thick" emphasizes the perception of the person's lack of intelligence or ability to grasp things easily.
  • in the thick of something/of doing something The idiom "in the thick of something/of doing something" refers to being fully engaged or deeply involved in a particular activity, event, or situation. It implies being in the midst of the action or facing challenges head-on. It can often refer to a time of intense activity or a critical phase of a project or task.
  • be as thick as two short planks The idiom "be as thick as two short planks" is used to describe someone who is very unintelligent, lacking common sense, or slow to understand things. It implies that this person is not sharp or clever, comparing their intelligence to the thickness of two short planks of wood.
  • a thick skin The idiom "a thick skin" refers to having a strong and resilient disposition, where one is not easily affected by criticism, insults, or negative remarks. It implies that the person is able to withstand and tolerate such comments without feeling hurt or offended.
  • have a thick head The idiom "have a thick head" refers to someone who is slow to understand or comprehend something, often due to stubbornness, arrogance, or a lack of intelligence. It implies that the person is resistant to new ideas or unwilling to change their perspective.
  • spread sth on thick The idiom "spread something on thick" means to exaggerate or overstate something, usually in order to impress or persuade someone. It involves using excessive praise, flattery, or enthusiasm to make something appear more significant or impressive than it actually is.
  • give (one) a thick ear The idiom "give (one) a thick ear" means to strike someone forcefully on their ear. It refers to physically assaulting or hitting someone, usually as a form of punishment or discipline. The term "thick ear" implies a strong, forceful blow to the ear area. However, it is worth noting that this expression is more commonly used figuratively to indicate a severe scolding or reprimand, rather than actual physical violence.
  • be (as) thick as a shit The idiom "be (as) thick as a shit" means to be extremely stupid or unintelligent. It is a derogatory term used to describe someone who lacks intelligence or common sense.
  • thick/thin on the ground When something is "thick/thin on the ground," it means that there is a small or limited amount of it available. It can refer to people, resources, opportunities, or any other tangible or intangible thing that is scarce or hard to come by.
  • thick-skinned "Thick-skinned" refers to someone who is able to withstand criticism, insults, or negative feedback without being easily offended or upset. It describes a person who has a strong and resilient personality, and is not easily affected by others' opinions or actions.
  • lay it on thick/with a trowel The idiom "lay it on thick/with a trowel" means to exaggerate or overemphasize something in a way that seems insincere or excessive. It refers to someone who is being overly dramatic, flattering, or insincere in their words or actions.

Similar spelling words for THICK

Plural form of THICK is THICKS