slippery smile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slippery smile" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a smile that seems deceitful or insincere, often implying that the person is untrustworthy or has ulterior motives. Example: "He greeted me with a slippery smile, making me question his true intentions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The first is an Indian trader with a slippery smile.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

We think our babies will remain just so -- immobile, helpless, warm and slippery, smiling on cue, themselves so much like dolls we dress them and re-dress them in tiny versions of the outfits we would wear.

Huffington Post

(Tate Donovan's Jimmy, in particular, shows the cost of trying to keep a foothold on the slippery slope of wealth; his nervous smile becomes more compulsive and frantic as he falls apart).

The New Yorker

Sheen finds Blair most slippery of all, reflected through a perma-smile more enigmatic than Mona Lisa's.

The Guardian - Film

He beat his heart with his fist and smiled in relief as a slippery par putt found the hole at the sixth.

Independent

Villains smile like sharks, thieves are nimble as cats, a pickpocket is as slippery as an eel.

The Guardian - Books

"It was about being slippery and them having the chance to be slippery with us," she says with a good-natured smile, while sitting in front of an open coffin (no body).

The New York Times - Arts

Slippery, yes.

The Economist

Too slippery".

The New York Times

Yes, slippery.

The Guardian - Sport

This slippery landscape.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "slippery smile" with actions or dialogue that further reveal the character's deceptive nature, reinforcing the initial impression.

Common error

Avoid using "slippery smile" when you intend to describe a charming or endearing smile. The term carries a negative connotation of deceit and should be reserved for characters with questionable intentions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slippery smile" functions as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "smile". It adds a layer of meaning, suggesting that the smile is not genuine and potentially indicative of deceit or untrustworthiness. As Ludwig AI shows, the adjective "slippery" colors the perception of the smile.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slippery smile" is a descriptive term used to convey insincerity or untrustworthiness, according to Ludwig AI. As Ludwig examples suggest, the phrase is grammatically sound but relatively rare, primarily appearing in News & Media contexts. It is best used to add subtle nuance to character descriptions, hinting at hidden motives. Alternatives include "insincere grin" or "deceitful smile". When employing this phrase, writers should be mindful of its negative connotations and avoid using it when intending to describe a genuine or pleasant smile. The most authoritative sources employing the phrase include The New York Times, The Guardian, and The New Yorker.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Insincere grin

Replaces "slippery" with "insincere", focusing directly on the lack of genuineness in the smile.

Deceitful smile

Substitutes "slippery" with "deceitful", emphasizing the intention to mislead.

Treacherous smile

Replaces "slippery" with "treacherous", highlighting the potential for betrayal.

Artificial smile

Focuses on the fake or manufactured quality of the smile.

Phony smile

Uses informal term "phony" to describe the inauthentic nature of the smile.

Unctuous smile

Emphasizes a forced, exaggerated, and insincere quality.

Greasy smile

Suggests an unpleasant smoothness and insincerity.

Calculating smile

Highlights the strategic or manipulative intent behind the smile.

A smile that couldn't be trusted

Shifts from a descriptive phrase to a more explicit statement of distrust.

A smile that concealed ulterior motives

Explains the underlying reason for the deceptive smile.

FAQs

How can I use "slippery smile" in a sentence?

You can use "slippery smile" to describe a character whose smile seems insincere or untrustworthy. For example: "The salesman flashed a slippery smile as he tried to convince me to buy the extended warranty."

What does "slippery smile" imply about a person's character?

A "slippery smile" suggests that the person may be deceitful, insincere, or have ulterior motives. It implies a lack of trustworthiness.

Which is a better alternative to "slippery smile": a "sly grin" or a genuine smile?

A "sly grin" is a closer alternative because it also suggests a degree of cunning or hidden intent, while a genuine smile conveys sincerity and honesty.

How does a "slippery smile" differ from an "artificial smile"?

While both suggest insincerity, an "artificial smile" may simply indicate politeness or discomfort, whereas a "slippery smile" implies a more deliberate attempt to deceive.