TRIK-ee
/ˈtɹɪki/
tricky is pronounced TRIK-ee (/ˈtɹɪki/). Tricky describes something that is difficult to deal with or requires careful handling due to its complexity or subtlety. In everyday use, it often signals a situation, problem, or person that demands skill or tact. The word also conveys a sense of slyness or playfulness in certain contexts.
Tricky describes something that is difficult to deal with or requires careful handling due to its complexity or subtlety. In everyday use, it often signals a situation, problem, or person that demands skill or tact. The word also conveys a sense of slyness or playfulness in certain contexts.
"The exam was tricky, with several twists I hadn’t anticipated."
"That math problem looks tricky at first glance, but it makes sense once you break it down."
"She gave a tricky smile, hinting that she knew more than she let on."
Pronounce as /ˈtrɪk.i/ with stress on the first syllable. Start with a short, clipped /tr/ cluster, then a short /ɪ/ as in 'kit,' followed by a clean /k/ and a light /i/ vowel. Keep the second syllable unstressed and quick. Audio reference: you can compare with Cambridge/Forvo pronunciations for US/UK nuances. Practice by saying “TRI-kee” with a brief pause after the first syllable before the final /i/ sound.
Two frequent errors: (1) Over-pronouncing the second syllable as /-i/ with a full vowel and stress, leading to ‘TRI-kee’ sounding stretched; instead keep the second syllable unstressed, a near-schwa /ə/ or a reduced /i/ sound. (2) Misproducing /tr/ as a simple /t/ or misplacing the tongue for the /ɹ/; ensure a crisp /tr/ blend with the tongue blade touching the alveolar ridge and the lips rounded for a light /ɹ/ onset. Use minimal pairs to train clarity, like /trɪk/ vs /tɹɪk/.”},{
US: /ˈtrɪk.i/ with a clear /ɹ/ and a slightly reduced second syllable. UK: /ˈtrɪk.i/ similar, but non-rhoticity may cause the 'r' to be less pronounced; vowel quality can be slightly tighter. AU: /ˈtɹɪk.i/ is close to US, with Australian vowel timbre that's often more centralized and a softer /ɹ/; emphasis remains on the first syllable. Across accents, the key is initial cluster clarity and maintaining a short, clipped first syllable with a light final /i/.
The difficulty lies in the consonant cluster /tr/ combined with a short, unstressed second syllable. The /ɪ/ vowel in the first syllable is brief and can shift toward a near-schwa in rapid speech, and the final /i/ should not receive extra emphasis. Learners also stumble keeping the /tr/ blend crisp while transitioning to the light, reduced second syllable. IPA awareness helps, especially recognizing the stress on the first syllable and the natural reduction in casual speech.
The standout feature is the compact, explosive onset /tr/ followed by a short, unstressed second syllable that often reduces in rapid speech to a near-syllabic /i/. Attention to lip rounding on the /i/ and maintaining a crisp /tr/ release differentiates it from similar words like 'trick' and 'trickier.' Keeping the first syllable stressed while the second remains light is essential for natural-sounding pronunciation.
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Tricky comes from the noun trick, meaning a cunning or deceptive act, with the suffix -y forming an adjective meaning ‘having the nature of or full of.’ The base trick derives from Old English trica, related to Old Norse trikkr, meaning ‘deceiver’ or ‘ruse,’ and was reinforced through Middle English to modern usage. The evolution shows a shift from concrete deception (a trick) to broader means of referring to difficult or precarious situations that require skill to navigate. First known uses date from the 16th century, with the sense expanding to describe situations, problems, or behaviors that demand caution or cleverness. Today, tricky commonly modifies tasks, people, or conditions that are not easily resolved and may involve subtleties, ambiguity, or risk.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "tricky" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "tricky" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "tricky"
-cky sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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