dick
12 synonyms for dick, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Vulgar slang for the penis.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
Originally a pet form of the name Richard; the insulting and anatomical senses developed later as the name came to stand for "any man" or "everyman."
Full origin of dick →Frequently asked questions
What does it mean to call someone a dick?
Informally, calling someone a dick means they are behaving in a mean, arrogant, selfish, or obnoxious way. It is a rude insult but a fairly mild one, often used casually. Though impolite, this figurative sense is heard far more in everyday speech than the literal anatomical meaning.
Does 'Dick' have other meanings?
Yes. Capitalised, Dick is a traditional nickname for the name Richard. In older slang, a 'dick' also meant a detective, as in the phrase 'private dick.' So depending on context the same spelling can be a name, dated slang for an investigator, or vulgar slang.
