NYT Dictionary

ICKY

/ˈɪki/
AdjectiveICK-yick-y · 2 syllablesGrade 1

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2019, 2020, 2023, 2025

Meaning

Unpleasantly sticky; yucky; disgusting.

Etymology

Origin: Unknown

1935, American English; from icky-boo (circa 1920): sickly, nauseated; baby talk corruption of sick; from a sentimental term for jazz music.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

grossishyschmaltzysyrupytreaclybatheticcheesysquishycornydrippy

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles:

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