sticky tacky what is the difference?
What's the difference between "sticky" and "tacky"?
These two words have basically the same meaning (able or likely to stick), but "tacky" is weaker - it means "only slightly sticky".
They are also used in different situations. In particular we most often use "tacky" when describing something wet that is not quite dry yet such as paint, makeup, or glue.
Example Sentences:
"Be careful, that paint is still tacky!"
"The film has a tacky rubberized backing which adheres to the display, but can easily be removed and reinstalled when necessary."
"That tape is super sticky."
"Her sticky bubblegum got stuck in her hair!"
Difference between sticky and tacky
Sticky and Tacky - adjectives
Sticky is an adjective used to describe something that is made or designed to stick things on contact. The other time we could use the word sticky is to describe hot and humid or muggy weather.
Tacky is an adjective used to describe a glue, paint or other substance that has not completely dried or is retaining a slightly sticky feel.
Examples
The weather today is sticky it is very uncomfortable.
This paint has been drying for over an hour and still feels tacky.
Conclusion - Sticky vs Tacky
Sticky and tacky are both adjectives and tacky can be used when explaining that something that is supposed to go hard when drying (glue or paint) has in fact not gone hard and is not completely dry. Sticky can be used to explain something like glue that is designed to stick on contact or otherwise the weather.
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.
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.
tackyEnglish
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)
When we compare words we should be able to identify what part of grammar/speech is the words such as adjectives. Sticky/Tacky are adjectives.
Sticky it sticks on contact
Tacky it doesn't dry with a sticky feel
sticky fingers on tacky paint
The cookies should be moist, not sticky
The paint was still tacky
sticky fingers on tacky candy
Sticky vs. Tacky
A term commonly used in baking.
Baking Term
If the dough you are using is "sticky" it will stick to your finger when you touch it.
If it is "tacky" then it will pull back to the dough or break off clean.
"the dough is too sticky! Let it mix longer"
There are other ways to use this, it all depends on context.