What does “Nick” mean?
The phrase "Nick" means 'to steal or take something that doesn't belong to you. If caught by the police or law, you'd be 'nicked.'' When someone says they're going to "nick" something, they are using slang to indicate that they plan to take something without permission or steal it. It is important to note that this phrase is considered informal and is not appropriate for formal or professional contexts.
How is the expression used in real life?
Example
He tried to nick a chocolate bar from the store, but he got caught.
Example
If you nick someone's idea, at least give them credit for it.
Example
They almost got nicked for trespassing in the restricted area.
What context can I use each expression in?
- 1Describing the act of stealing or taking something without permission
He tried to nick a chocolate bar from the store, but he got caught.
If you nick someone's idea, at least give them credit for it.
- 2Referring to getting caught or facing consequences for stealing
They almost got nicked for trespassing in the restricted area.
If you get caught, you'll be nicked by the police.
- 3Discussing the act of taking credit for someone else's work or idea
He nicked my presentation and presented it as his own.
She always nicks my jokes and tells them as if they're hers.
Good things to know:
What is the origin of the phrase?
"Nick" is a slang expression that originated in the United Kingdom. It is commonly used in British English and has become popular in modern culture.
Can the phrase be used on its own?
While "nick" is often used in a sentence, it can also be used on its own to convey the act of stealing or taking something. For example, if someone asks what happened to their missing item, you might respond with "They got nicked!" to indicate that it was stolen.
Is the phrase offensive?
The phrase "nick" is not offensive in itself. It is a slang term used to describe stealing or taking something without permission.
Audience for the phrase
"Nick" is commonly used by English speakers in the United Kingdom. It is more likely to be understood and used by people familiar with British slang and culture.
Is the phrase specific to an accent or country?
"Nick" is specific to the United Kingdom and is commonly used in British English. It may not be as widely recognized or used in other English-speaking regions.
