As adjectives the difference between sticky and tacky
is thatstickyis able or likely to stick whiletackyis of a substance, slightly sticky.
As a noun sticky
is a sticky note, such as a post-it note.
As a verb sticky
is (internet|bulletin boards) to fix a thread at the top of the list of topics or threads so as to keep it in view.
English
Adjective
(er)
Able or likely to stick.
Is this tape sticky enough to stay on that surface?
Potentially difficult to escape from.
This is a sticky situation. We could be in this for weeks if we're not careful.
* 2014 , Michael White, " Roll up, roll up! The Amazing Salmond will show a Scotland you won't believe", The Guardian , 8 September 2014:
Salmond studied medieval Scottish history as well as economics at university so he cannot say he has not had fair warning – it was even more turbulent and bloody than England at that time – and plenty of Scotland's kings and leaders came to a sticky end.
(computing, informal, of a setting) Persistent.
We should make the printing direction sticky so the user doesn't have to keep setting it.
(computing, of a window) Appearing on all virtual desktops.
(Internet, of threads on a bulletin board) Fixed at the top of the list of topics or threads so as to keep it in view.
(Internet, of a website) Compelling enough to keep visitors from leaving.
A woman has come to me with the complaint that her website is not "sticky" - 70% of the visits last 30 seconds or less.
Of weather, hot and windless and with high humidity, so that people feel sticky from sweating.
See AlsoTechniques | Paul Hollywood
Derived terms
stickily stickiness sticky-backed plastic sticky bit sticky fingers sticky wicket * sticky note
See also
* tacky
Noun
(stickies)
A sticky note, such as a post-it note.
Her desk is covered with yellow stickies .
(manufacturing) A small adhesive particle found in wastepaper.
A sweet dessert wine.
English
Adjective
(er)
Of a substance, slightly sticky.
This paint isn't dry yet - it's still a bit tacky.
(colloquial) Of low quality.
That market stall sells all sorts of tacky ornaments.
(colloquial) In poor taste.
That was a tacky thing to say.
gaudy, flashy, showy, garish
dowdy, shabbily dressed
shabby, dowdy (in one's appearance)
