tricky

From trick +‎ -y.

• IPA^(key): /ˈtɹɪk.i/

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• Rhymes: -ɪki

tricky (comparative trickier, superlative trickiest)

1. Hard to deal with, complicated.

   They were in a tricky situation.

   • 1964 September, “News: Fewer diesels for NER in 1965”, in Modern Railways, page 201:

     Several types of diesel locomotive have been tested on this working and as a result the probable choice will be Type 2 diesels in pairs, without bankers. The crucial factor in the selection of this method is the higher degree of adhesion obtained than with a single Type 4; on trial one of the latter showed that in very adverse conditions it might slip to a standstill at one of the two tricky spots on the steep climb from Tyne Dock to Consett.

   • 2012 September 15, Amy Lawrence, “Arsenal's Gervinho enjoys the joy of six against lowly Southampton”, in the Guardian‎:

     It was as comfortable an afternoon as Arsène Wenger could have wished for in a situation that can be tricky in between internationals and the upcoming Champions League.

2. Adept at using deception.

   A tricky salesman can sell anything.

3. (colloquial, slang) Relating to or associated with a prostitution trick.

   I don't want any of your tricky money, thank you!

• trick

• sneaky