Nicks

/nɪks/ verb

Definition

Makes small cuts or marks in something, or steals something (British slang).

Etymology

Origin uncertain; possibly from Middle Dutch 'nikken' or Scandinavian sources. The 'stealing' meaning developed in slang, possibly from the idea of 'pinching' or 'snatching' something quickly.

Kelly Says

The double meaning is great—a 'nick' is both a tiny harmless cut and also British slang for stealing something. It shows how language creates metaphors by comparing small sudden actions to cutting!

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