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# old nick

noun phrase (Old Nick; a name, capital letters)

«old nick» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

(euphemism, old-fashioned) the Devil.

### In the lessons

People in the past used a nickname for the Devil instead of naming him, from fear or to joke; today it is jokey and old-fashioned. Old-fashioned and humorous register, mostly UK. (In UK slang «the nick» separately means a police station or prison.)

### Examples

- Grandad says the storm was Old Nick's work.
- He ran like Old Nick was after him.
- Those kids are as cheeky as Old Nick.
- In the story, Old Nick tries to trick the farmer.
- «Speak of Old Nick!» she said when he walked in.
- Old Nick himself couldn't have planned it better.

### Note

It is a name, so capitals: Old Nick. Do not confuse it with «nick» = to steal or «the nick» = a police station. Plain word: the Devil.