sickie

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A day, or time, off work due to (supposed) illness.

Register: slang

Examples

Sickies are when one really is sick, but, y’know, probably not to the extent that merits a day off. It’s the exaggerated head cold. It’s the sore throat overdramatised by a theatrical croak.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A person who is unwell.

Register: slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “sickie” mean?

A day, or time, off work due to (supposed) illness.

Is “sickie” formal or informal?

sickie is generally slang.