dicky

"Dicky" is a casual British English word with a couple of useful meanings. It can describe something that is not working properly or feels unreliable, and it also has an older meaning as a noun referring to a type of clothing accessory. Here are the most common senses.

1adjectiveunreliable or not working well

When something is 'dicky', it means it is weak, faulty, or not functioning as it should. Think of a car engine that keeps cutting out — you might say it has a dicky engine. It often describes health problems too, like a body part that keeps giving you trouble.

everyday language · Informal British English, still commonly used

He has had a dicky heart for years, so he avoids heavy exercise.

The old printer is a bit dicky — sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

She missed the match because of her dicky knee.

2nouna false shirt front

A 'dicky' (also spelled 'dickey') is a detachable shirt front — basically a piece of fabric that looks like the front of a shirt but is not a full shirt. People used to wear these under a jacket so they appeared to be wearing a proper shirt without actually wearing one. You do not hear this meaning very often today.

clothing / fashion · Older usage, rarely used in modern speech

He wore a dicky under his suit jacket to look more formal.

In the 19th century, a dicky was a practical and affordable alternative to a full dress shirt.

3nouna small bird (informal)

In informal British English, especially in children's language, 'dicky bird' (often shortened to 'dicky') is a cute, simple word for a small bird. It is the kind of word a parent might use when talking to a young child.

everyday language / children's speech · Informal, traditional British English

Look at the little dicky bird sitting on the fence!

The child pointed at the tree and said, 'Mummy, there's a dicky!'