slick voice

USAGE SUMMARY

"slick voice" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone whose voice is smooth and effortlessly persuasive, often in a manner that suggests dishonesty or manipulation. For example: "He had a slick voice, the kind of voice that could easily convince people to do what he wanted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Like a classical poet calling up a shade from the halls of Dis, Updike addresses Laine's ghost through the teenage-hormone-laden haze of the Sweet Shop in 1949: Your slick voice, nasal yet operatic, sliced and soared, assuring us of finding our desire, at our old rendezvous.

The New York Times - Books

And yet his slick voice stopped me when I revisited the audio chat.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

His opponent was Bob Scheer, age thirty, a dashing editor at Ramparts magazine, the slick, lively voice of the fashionable San Francisco left (and the direct ancestor of both Rolling Stone and Mother Jones).

The New Yorker

As fishermen keep their eyes peeled for slicks and voice concerns that they may be fishing in contaminated waters, some scientists suggest that these fears may be misplaced.

The New York Times

Or as Roots drummer Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson put it more poetically: "Point blank: Slick Rick's voice was the most beautiful thing to happen to hip-hop culture".

The Guardian - Music

Like Jack Skeleton from Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas, he glides across the stage with a sinister elegance, his voice as slick and velvety as his swinging black tailcoat.

The Guardian

Richard Hawley With his sharp suit, slick quiff and honeyed voice, Hawley is the closest we get to the heyday of 1950s crooners.

The Guardian

It's still not quite as slick as Android's voice offering, as it seems you're limited to one or two words and the parsed data can't be passed into an application — that is, you wouldn't be able to say "Navigate to pizza!" and have Google Maps automatically load up a search for nearby pizza spots, as you can on Android.

TechCrunch

Fig. 3) Studio Voice Another slick design publication.

Vice

With glistening synths, an abundance of heartfelt emotions, and a vocodered voice so slick it could be sliding on oil, "Playing With Fire" quickly became the funky earworm that you couldn't get out of your head.

Vice

But most important, he sounded gruff, his voice nowhere near slick, his syllables like sound effects.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slick voice" to describe a character or speaker known for their persuasive or manipulative communication style. It implies a certain ease and smoothness in their speech.

Common error

Avoid using "slick voice" too frequently in your writing. It can become repetitive and weaken its impact. Explore synonyms like "smooth voice" or "persuasive voice" to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slick voice" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It combines the adjective "slick", which implies smoothness and ease (sometimes with a hint of insincerity), with the noun "voice". As Ludwig confirms, this combination creates a vivid descriptor of someone's manner of speaking.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slick voice" is a descriptive term used to characterize a voice that is notably smooth, persuasive, and potentially manipulative. As Ludwig highlights, it’s considered grammatically correct and appears primarily in news and media contexts. While not overly common, it effectively conveys a specific quality of speech. When employing the phrase, be mindful of the subtle negative connotation it often carries, suggesting a speaker whose persuasive abilities might be used for less-than-honest purposes. Consider alternatives like "smooth voice" or "persuasive voice" depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smooth voice

Replaces "slick" with a more neutral synonym, focusing on the quality of smoothness.

smooth-talking voice

Adds the connotation of persuasion and possible manipulation.

silky voice

Uses a metaphor to describe the voice's texture and appeal.

honeyed voice

Suggests a voice that is sweet and pleasing, potentially deceptive.

oiled voice

Emphasizes the effortless and fluid quality of the voice.

glib voice

Highlights the fluency and ease of the speaker, sometimes implying insincerity.

persuasive voice

Focuses on the voice's ability to convince others.

silver-tongued

A more figurative expression for a persuasive and charming speaker.

suave tone

Shifts the focus from the voice itself to the overall manner of speaking.

polished tone

Suggests refinement and sophistication in the way someone speaks.

FAQs

What does it mean to have a "slick voice"?

Having a "slick voice" implies that someone's voice is smooth, persuasive, and often used in a way that might be perceived as manipulative or insincere. It suggests a polished and effortless communication style.

How can I use "slick voice" in a sentence?

You can use "slick voice" to describe someone who is good at convincing people, such as: "The con artist had a "slick voice" that made it easy to swindle his victims."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "slick voice"?

Some alternatives to "slick voice" include "smooth voice", "honeyed voice", or "persuasive voice". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "slick voice" a positive or negative description?

The phrase "slick voice" can be either positive or negative depending on the context. Generally, it leans towards the negative, suggesting someone is perhaps too smooth or uses their voice to deceive. However, in some cases, it might simply describe someone with a very polished and professional speaking style.