adjective, ick·i·er, ick·i·est. Informal.
- repulsive or distasteful.
- excessively sweet or sentimental.
- unsophisticated or old-fashioned.
- sticky; viscid.
adjective ickier or ickiest
- sticky
- excessively sentimental or emotional
1935, American English, probably from icky-boo (c.1920) “sickly, nauseated,” probably baby talk elaboration of sick. Originally a swing lover’s term for more sentimental jazz music; in general use from 1938.