1 B2 neutral
To smooth hair flat against the head in a downward direction using water, oil, or gel.
"His mother slicked his hair down with water before the school photo."
separable
slick down
B2 neutral separable transitive
To smooth hair flat against the head, typically using water, oil, or gel.
In plain English
Make your hair lie flat against your head using something wet or sticky.
What does "slick down" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To slick (smooth/oil) something in a downward direction — fairly transparent.
Actually means
Make your hair lie flat against your head using something wet or sticky.
Usage tip
Similar to 'slick back' but with a downward direction. Often associated with old-fashioned or overly neat hairstyles. Can also describe smoothing down other materials (fur, fabric). Less common than 'slick back'.
Words that pair with "slick down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
hair fur fringe cowlick water gel
How to conjugate "slick down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
slick down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
slicks down
he/she/it
Past simple
slicked down
yesterday
Past participle
slicked down
have + pp
-ing form
slicking down
continuous
Hear "slick down" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "slick down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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