noun
Common
mick
mihk
Mick (noun) means a short form of the given name Michael. Example: “Everyone at school just called him Mick.”
noun
1
A short form of the given name Michael.
"Everyone at school just called him Mick."
"Mick, could you pass me the salt, please?"
"My uncle Michael has always been known as Mick to his friends."
2
An offensive slang term for an Irish person, especially one of Irish Catholic descent.
"The word has a long history as an ethnic slur and should generally be avoided."
How to use mick
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMostly a nickname for Michael; also an old, offensive slang word for an Irish person.
When to use it
The ethnic slang sense is derogatory and best avoided; it survives mainly in historical or literary contexts.
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Word forms
- Plural
- micks
- Comparative
- more mick
- Superlative
- most mick
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Everyone at school just called him _____.
Etymology
A short form of "Michael," which became so common as an Irish given name that it was later used (often disparagingly) as a general term for Irish people.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for mick
See all rhymes for mick →Frequently asked questions
What does “mick” mean?
The word “mick” means a short form of the given name Michael. In plain terms, mostly a nickname for Michael; also an old, offensive slang word for an Irish person.
How do you pronounce “mick”?
“Mick” is pronounced mihk (/mɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “mick” in a sentence?
Here is “mick” used in a sentence: “Everyone at school just called him Mick.”
What part of speech is “mick”?
“Mick” is a noun.
Where does the word “mick” come from?
The word “mick” comes from Irish. A short form of "Michael," which became so common as an Irish given name that it was later used (often disparagingly) as a general term for Irish people.
Is “mick” a common word?
“Mick” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “mick” have?
“Mick” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a short form of the given name Michael.
What is the difference between mick as a nickname and mick as a slur?
As a short form of the name Michael, mick is a neutral, affectionate nickname. However, mick is also used as an offensive slang term for an Irish person, particularly someone of Irish Catholic descent, and this second sense is derogatory and should be avoided.
Is mick an offensive word?
It depends entirely on context: mick used as a shortened form of the name Michael is not offensive, but mick used to refer to Irish people generally is considered an offensive ethnic slur. Because of this dual meaning, the word should be used with care.
Why is mick considered offensive when referring to Irish people?
Mick is classified as offensive slang when used to describe an Irish person, especially someone of Irish Catholic descent, because it reduces a person's identity to a derogatory ethnic label. This usage is distinct from its unrelated, harmless use as a nickname for Michael.
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