slick-back

IPA/slˈɪkbˈak/
IPA/slˈɪkbˈæk/

slick-back — phrasal verb

1. to arrange hair by pulling it backwards and pressing it flat with water, gel, or

1.phrasal verbtransitiveB2
Definition

to arrange hair by pulling it backwards and pressing it flat with water, gel, or a similar product so that it lies smooth and glossy against the head

Example

Theo slicked his hair back with gel before the job interview.

slick + possessive + hair + back (separable)

The barber slicked back the boy's unruly hair with a wet comb.

slick back + noun phrase (inseparable variant)

Common collocations
  • slick hair back
  • slicked-back hair
  • slick it back
  • slicked back with gel
  • slicked back with water
  • neatly slicked back
Synonyms
  • smooth down

    less emphasis on shine, more on neatness and removing bumps

  • comb back

    neutral, without the glossy or wet connotation

Antonyms
  • mess up

    to make hair untidy, the opposite action

  • tousle

    to make hair messy or ruffled

Grammar Patterns

slick + noun phrase + back

slick back + noun phrase

Usage Note

The object is almost always hair or a reference to hair (e.g. a fringe, bangs, locks). The particle back can either follow the verb directly or come after the object: slick back your hair / slick your hair back.

Common Mistakes

He slicked back.
He slicked his hair back.
The verb needs an object; you cannot use slick back without mentioning what is being slicked.