noun
Common
kicks
kihks
Kicks (noun) means informal word for shoes, especially stylish sneakers. Example: “He saved up for months to buy a pair of limited-edition kicks.”
noun
1
Informal word for shoes, especially stylish sneakers.
"He saved up for months to buy a pair of limited-edition kicks."
"He showed off his new kicks at the party."
"Those are some fresh kicks you're wearing."
How to use kicks
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCasual slang for shoes, particularly trainers or sneakers.
When to use it
Informal — mainly used in casual speech and sneaker culture, not in formal writing.
Common pairings
fresh kicks
a pair of kicks
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He saved up for months to buy a pair of limited-edition _____.
Etymology
Plural of "kick," slang usage that emerged in American English referring to footwear.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for kicks
See all rhymes for kicks →Frequently asked questions
What does “kicks” mean?
The word “kicks” means informal word for shoes, especially stylish sneakers. In plain terms, casual slang for shoes, particularly trainers or sneakers.
How do you pronounce “kicks”?
“Kicks” is pronounced kihks (/kɪks/ in IPA).
How do you use “kicks” in a sentence?
Here is “kicks” used in a sentence: “He showed off his new kicks at the party.”
What part of speech is “kicks”?
“Kicks” is a noun.
Is “kicks” a common word?
“Kicks” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What kind of shoes are called kicks?
Kicks is informal slang for shoes, above all stylish sneakers or trainers, and it is especially common in sneaker-collecting and streetwear culture. You would call a fresh pair of basketball shoes kicks, but the word is rarely applied to formal footwear.
Is kicks singular or plural?
In the shoes sense, kicks is always plural: people say "new kicks" or "a pair of kicks," never "a kick" for a single shoe. Verbs agree in the plural: "Those kicks are clean."
Is kicks too informal for professional writing?
Yes — kicks is casual slang, at home in conversation, social media, and lifestyle writing. In formal or professional contexts, use shoes, sneakers, or trainers instead.
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