slimy

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "slimy" is correct and usable in written English, especially when describing a texture or a feeling.
For example: The slimy texture of the mud made me squirm.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Surely all kinds of devious and slimy goondas (criminals) must be trying to find a way to shove them out and put up trendy apartments overlooking the sea? "All the time, every week a property developer comes saying this or that, not even our homes but saying they will buy land and build something,"says Manish.

The Guardian

Yet we've long run out of descriptors for the light-socket hairdo made famous by wretched, slimy, reptilian boxing promoter Don King.

The Guardian - Sport

As he walked past Völler en route to the dressing room, he casually turned his head and flobbed the mouthful of slimy gloop he had just harvested from his nasal turbinate straight into his rival's hair.

The Guardian - Sport

A slimy glaucous mushroom hidden among moss and debris is a verdigris agaric.

The Guardian

Healthy reef organisms become collections of slimy, dead and bleached corals.

The Guardian

He had been the corporate voice of the company's advertising for five years and was recording a commentary for its latest TV campaign ("prime chunks of tender chicken, juicy kidney, all in a thick, thick gravy") over footage of a golden retriever wolfing down down great mouthfuls of slimy meat from a metal bowl.

The Guardian

The children in a nearby school were treated to the sight of broken coffins, bones and "slimy matter, alive with maggots".

The Guardian

Though I've long suspected, after consuming many hundreds of versions, that the secret of Indian restaurant saag paneers does not lie with fresh spinach – I even gave the slimy tinned stuff a try a couple of years ago – most recipes I find call for it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We cracked open rugby-ball sized cocoa pods and marvelled at the slimy white seeds that eventually become chocolate.

The Guardian - Travel

I prefer the mushrooms Roux, Slater and Lawson put in to Larousse's carrots, which look wrong, and preferably the chestnut ones Slater suggests rather than Lawson's slightly slimy oyster variety.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Carver eventually persuades Herc to name a man he would sleep with to get the Olsen twins, which is of course then used against him; McNulty and Bunk's slimy tactics for picking up women are exposed; and Carcetti engages in a power play with Burrell before they can establish relations.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slimy", consider the connotations it carries. It often evokes a negative emotional response, so ensure its use aligns with your intended tone.

Common error

While "slimy" is acceptable in general writing, avoid using it in formal or professional contexts where a more neutral or scientific term like "viscous" or "mucous" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "slimy" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their texture or quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a usable term, as seen in examples like "slimy sea" or "slimy matter".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slimy" is an adjective frequently used to describe something with a wet, slippery, and often unpleasant texture. As Ludwig AI notes, the word is correct and usable in written English. Its connotation is generally negative and found across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While generally neutral, it's important to consider the context when employing "slimy", as more formal settings might benefit from a scientifically accurate term. When aiming to describe a similar texture you might consider to employ alternatives such as "mucous", "viscous", or "slippery".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slimy texture

Explicitly mentions the texture, clarifying the intended meaning of "slimy".

slimy with

Highlights a surface covered with "slimy" substance

viscous

Describes a thick, sticky consistency, similar to the texture implied by "slimy".

mucous

Refers to a substance resembling or containing mucus, highlighting the viscous quality.

slippery

Focuses on the attribute of being difficult to hold or stand on due to a smooth, wet surface.

mucilaginous

Botanical context, thick gluey consistency

greasy

Implies an oily, often unpleasant texture, akin to "slimy" in its repulsiveness.

slick

Focuses on the smooth and superficially attractive nature, or the ease of sliding

foul

Highlights the disgusting or offensive nature often associated with something slimy.

unctuous

Describes a smooth, oily, and often insincere quality, extending beyond just texture.

FAQs

How can I use "slimy" in a sentence?

You can use "slimy" to describe textures or appearances, such as "The pond was covered in a "slimy green algae"" or "The politician had a "slimy demeanor"".

What words have a similar meaning to "slimy"?

Alternatives to "slimy" include "viscous", "mucous", "slippery", and "greasy", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "slimy" to describe a person's character?

Yes, "slimy" can be used metaphorically to describe someone's character, implying they are untrustworthy or morally questionable. For example, "He was a "slimy character" who couldn't be trusted".

What is the difference between "slimy" and "slippery"?

"Slimy" generally refers to a disgusting or unpleasant wet coating, whereas "slippery" describes something that is difficult to grip or stand on due to a smooth surface. While a slimy surface can be slippery, not all slippery surfaces are slimy.