tricky English · revision 10793

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=1786|origins=en trick}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ˈtrɪk.i/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is formed from [[trick]] and [[-y]].^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Given to crafty or deceitful tricks; artful, shifty: 1786.^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ The sense deceptively difficult, full of unexpected snags, is attested by 1868.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) Skilled in clever tricks is from 1887.^(OED 1989) Earlier words were ''tricksy'' (1590s), ''tricksome'' and ''trickish'' (1705).^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1590s – tricksy.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1705 – trickish.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1786 – tricky, crafty.^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline)

+ * 1868 – difficult.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Adjective===

+ # Difficult and needing skill or care: ''a tricky job''.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Needing tact: ''a tricky situation''.^(Collins 2023)

+ # Crafty or deceitful; [[sly]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[trickily]]

+ * [[trickiness]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[trick]]

+ * [[tricksy]]

+ * [[trickery]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}